Tire plant reportedly closing



From Staff and Wire Reports

Officials at Bridgestone/Firestone's Dayton Tire plant scheduled meetings with the news media Friday afternoon amid reports the company planned to close the factory.


The plant employs 2,200 workers, according to the state Department of Commerce.

The company's chief spokesman Dan MacDonald, who is based in Nashville, Tenn., was in Oklahoma City on Friday. He did not immediately return telephone calls.

The plant's union contract with United Steelworkers expires in July. A union spokesman declined comment.

A state official, who spoke only on condition of anonymity, said the company was preparing to announce plans to eventually close the plant.

Gov. Brad Henry planned a 2:30 p.m. news conference to discuss "the developing situation," his spokesman Paul Sund said.

MacDonald told The Oklahoman last month that the plant was facing major challenges.

"Unfortunately, the market is moving away from the tires made in Oklahoma City," he told the newspaper. "Even with substantial new investment, the plant won't be competitive."

The plant makes 13-, 14- and 15-inch tires for cars and light trucks, while 16-inch tires have become a more popular size for tires.