Uniroyal Goodrich Tire Manufacturing, a division of Michelin North America Inc., is laying off 400 production workers at its Tuscaloosa, Ala., plant.
The layoffs are part of the company's plan to reduce production at the plant in response to excess inventories and "the continuing deterioration of the tire market."
Future market requirements and competitive conditions will determine if and when production is increased and workers are called. The plant expects to realize additional reductions in the salaried and maintenance ranks through normal attrition.
"While Uniroyal Goodrich has responded to this year's deteriorating market through a series of inventory adjustments at various facilities, it has become clear that the situation requires this further action," said a company spokesman.
The Tuscaloosa facility has the capacity to manufacture 24,000 passenger and light truck tires a day, according to Modern Tire Dealer's 2001 Facts Issue. Only BFGoodrich and Uniroyal brand tires are made at the plant.
