A major New York tire factory that has operated for over a century is set to close after its executives moved its manufacturing overseas.
Sumitomo Rubber USA, which owns tire maker Dunlop, fired 1,550 people this week as the Japanese company plans to close its Buffalo factory.
Sumitomo said it has spent a staggering $140 million in recent years to modernize the plant, but the investment was not enough to rescue its struggling bottom line.
Local lawmakers in the region quickly slammed the move and claimed the local government could have stepped in to save the jobs before they were lost.
‘At no point did Sumitomo ask for any additional assistance to remain in operation, despite the fact we have always supported their efforts to succeed here in Erie County with tax incentives and assistance through the Erie County Industrial Development Agency,’ he said.
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