Michelin to close BFGoodrich plant in Alabama

On June 25, Michelin announced that as part of the production restructuring in the US, the BFGoodrich plant in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, which produced its first tire in 1946, will be closed. After that, almost all tires under the BFGoodrich brand will be produced at the Fort Wayne, Indiana facility. Currently, production in Alabama is temporarily suspended to discuss the details of the future plant closure, and it is expected to resume in normal mode on June 29.

Michelin indicates that both plants are currently operating at a load significantly lower than the design capacity, and in addition, the BFGoodrich Tires brand has faced increased competition mainly in its off-road tire sector, although it still maintains a significant market share and remains a "quality benchmark in this segment", and the restructuring should allow "creating a more efficient production structure that will ensure the success of the brand in the long term".

"Thanks to the work of our team in Tuscaloosa, BFGoodrich has gained a reputation as a pioneering American brand and has become an enduring symbol of automotive culture," said Terry Redmile, Senior Vice President of Manufacturing for Michelin in North and South America, adding that "due to its size, areas and infrastructure, the Fort Wayne plant is better suited for consolidating capacities and meeting the requirements necessary for the success of BFGoodrich Tires".

Tire and rubber compound production in Alabama will be gradually reduced over the next two years, and the restructuring will affect around 1,200 plant workers. The plant is expected to be finally closed by the end of 2028.

Initially, the plant was built to produce products for the military, and by 2021, the plant had produced around 500 million tires. During its history, the plant has produced, for example, the first tubeless tire in the US and the first American passenger tire certified for racing (BFGoodrich Radial T/A). In addition, the first tires for NASA shuttles and the first radial tires designed specifically for desert racing (BFGoodrich Baja T/A) were produced in Alabama.

In addition to historical achievements, the plant is also known for producing racing tires, and at one time, the first street-legal drag racing tire and the first radial tire used in the 24 Hours of Le Mans were manufactured in Tuscaloosa.