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According to a report from The Tuscaloosa News, Michelin North America announced on June 25, 2026, that it will shutter its longtime BFGoodrich tire manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, ending production by the close of 2028 and affecting approximately 1,200 employees.
The decision consolidates nearly all U.S. production of BFGoodrich Tires at the company’s plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Operations at the Tuscaloosa site, located at 5101 21st St., will begin winding down in phases early in 2027, with tire production and rubber-mixing activities gradually ramping down over the next two years.
Michelin officials stated that the plant will continue operating during the initial transition period, with no immediate job losses anticipated in the coming months as details are finalized. The company temporarily idled operations on the day of the announcement to meet with employees but expected production to resume on Monday, June 29.
Company leaders pointed to long-term structural challenges as the driving force behind the closure. Both the Tuscaloosa and Fort Wayne facilities have been running below designed capacity, creating inefficiencies amid rising competition in the off-road and recreational tire segments.
“Unfortunately, we could not identify any feasible structure that would enable us to continue operating in Tuscaloosa while also supporting long-term value creation across our factories in North America,” said Terry Redmile, Michelin’s senior vice president of manufacturing for the Americas.
Redmile noted that the Fort Wayne facility’s larger size, footprint, and infrastructure position it better to absorb the production volume and meet future demand for the brand.
Michelin said it will collaborate with union leaders to determine separation benefits for hourly employees in line with existing labor agreements and federal requirements. The company also pledged transition support to help affected workers plan for future employment opportunities.
In addition, Michelin intends to partner with local and state officials to explore potential new uses for the site once production concludes, reflecting a commitment to the broader community.
The Tuscaloosa plant holds deep historical significance. The first tire rolled off the line on October 23, 1946, providing jobs for returning World War II veterans. For decades, it stood as one of the county’s largest employers and a cornerstone of the local economy.
The closure marks the end of an 80-year chapter for the facility, which has been a vital part of Tuscaloosa’s industrial landscape. Local leaders are expected to coordinate a response to support workers and mitigate economic impacts in the coming months.
End Time Headlines is a ministry founded, owned, and operated by Ricky Scaparo, established in 2010 to equip believers and inform discerning individuals about the “Signs and Seasons” of the times in which we live. Ricky authors original articles and curates news from mainstream sources, carefully selecting topics, verifying information, and utilizing artificial intelligence tools to ensure content is both timely and accurate. Every piece is personally reviewed and edited by Ricky to align with the ministry’s mission of providing a prophetic perspective on current events.