Michelin North America Inc. announced it will consolidate nearly all production for BFGoodrich Tires at its plant in Fort Wayne, Ind., and "begin winding down" production at its Tuscaloosa, Ala., plant starting next year.

The announcement is part of an effort to "reorganize U.S. manufacturing operations supporting its BFGoodrich Tires brand starting later this year." Production at its Alabama site "will begin winding down in phases early next year and are expected to conclude by year-end 2028," according to officials.

"Both sites operate well below their designed capacities, resulting in structural inefficiencies that cannot be sustained," say company officials. "At the same time, BFGoodrich Tires faces intensifying competition in its core recreation/off-road market segment, even as the brand maintains a strong market share and remains the benchmark for performance in this category. Consolidating production at Fort Wayne will create a more efficient industrial structure positioned for the brand’s long-term success."

“Because of the dedication of our teams in Tuscaloosa, BFGoodrich Tires is celebrated as a pioneering American brand, and an enduring symbol of car and truck culture,” says Terry Redmile, Michelin’s senior vice president for manufacturing operations in the Americas. 

“Due to the size, footprint and infrastructure of the Fort Wayne factory, that site is better positioned to consolidate the capacity and meet future demands for the success of BFGoodrich Tires. 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.”  

"The reorganization will impact approximately 1,200 employees in Tuscaloosa, as tire-production and rubber-mixing activities gradually ramp down over the next two years." Michelin says it will "collaborate with public and private stakeholders to explore new missions for the Tuscaloosa site, keeping in focus its stewardship and commitment to the community’s long-term success."

The company temporarily halted operations in Tuscaloosa "to discuss specific details directly with employees starting today." While operations are expected to resume normally on Monday, June 29, 2026, "no separations are anticipated for several months, as transition plans are finalized." The company says it will support employees closely throughout the transition.

According to MTD's 2026 Facts Issue, Michelin's Fort Wayne, Ind., plant, established in 1961, has the capacity to produce 25,500 passenger tires and 10,700 light truck tires per day. The company's Tuscaloosa, Ala., plant, established in 1945, has the capacity to produce 19,700 passenger tires and 5,500 light truck tires per day.