US tyre/wheel plant to close following loss of Honda contract

Birmingham, Alabama - T&WA Inc., a supplier of preassembled tyre and wheel modules in which Goodyear owns a minority share, plans to close its Birmingham plant and lay off 51 employees after Honda Manufacturing of Alabama LLC did not renew a supply contract.

The shutdown will occur by the end of June and is a direct result of Honda's decision not to renew its contract with T&WA, said Byron Meyer, president of the minority-owned Louisville, Kentucky, supplier.

Honda had little to say about the change except that, during the past few years, it has been developing proprietary technologies for tyre and wheel subassembly. Honda´s Lincoln, Alabama, plant assembles the Pilot crossover and Odyssey minivan.

Meyer said T&WA will continue to supply Honda until the new supplier takes over in July. T&WA´s Birmingham plant, which served Honda exclusively, then will be sold, he said.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)