Due to a lack of certain raw materials, Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. has been forced to reduce tire production at its facilities.
Cooper has four consumer plants in the United States (their daily tire production capacities, according to Modern Tire Dealer's 2008 Facts Issue, are in parentheses):
1. Findlay, Ohio (22,000);
2. Texarkana, Ark. (32,000);
3. Tupelo, Miss. (41,000);
4. Albany, Ga. (26,300).
Here is Cooper's official statement.
"Due to the continuing effect of the hurricanes, our suppliers have not been able to provide us with certain raw materials necessary for production. As a result, we have had to curtail production at our facilities.
"This is a fluid situation, and we are dependent on our suppliers' ability to provide raw materials. Cooper will strive to maintain industry leading fill rates during this period."
Cooper also runs a plant in Melksham, England, and jointly owns a facility in Guadalajara, Mexico, with IBSA (a Mexican holding corporation) and Cooperativa TRADOC S.R.L. (employee owners of Corporación de Occidente SA de CV).
Cooper, and other tire manufacturers in the U.S., also have curtailed production in the past due to hurricane damage.
