In yet another devastating blow to American manufacturing, Sumitomo Rubber USA, the Japanese owner of Dunlop, has shuttered its nearly century-old tire factory in Tonawanda, New York, leaving 1,500 hardworking Americans jobless. The closure, effective November 7, marks a grim chapter in the ongoing erosion of the nation’s Rust Belt, as foreign corporations prioritize overseas production and profitability over the livelihoods of American workers.
The historic plant, which opened its doors in 1923, was once a symbol of the strength of America’s industrial heartland. Now, after decades of contributing to the local economy, it has fallen victim to Sumitomo’s cold calculus of “facility performance” and “financial losses” in a hyper-competitive global tire market. Despite investing $140 million in plant upgrades, Sumitomo claimed these efforts were insufficient to maintain operations.
“The plant closure is primarily due to overall facility performance within the increasingly competitive international tire market,” the company stated, as reported by *Cycle News*. Sumitomo added that it explored selling the plant but found no buyers, forcing the decision to close.
Local leaders were blindsided by the move, accusing the Japanese-owned company of acting without transparency or seeking assistance. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz voiced his frustration: “It appears this decision was made by the Japanese owner’s board without any discussion with local and state officials about the possibility of closure. At no point did Sumitomo ask for any additional assistance to remain in operation.”
Poloncarz’s frustration is well-founded. Over the years, Erie County has provided tax incentives and industrial development aid to keep the plant competitive. Yet, the closure makes it clear that loyalty to the American workforce took a backseat to Sumitomo’s profit margins.
Congressman Nick Langworthy (R-NY), representing parts of Buffalo and western New York, lamented the closure as a major blow to the regional economy. “This is gonna really sting here for our regional economy,” he said, expressing disappointment with the sudden and unilateral decision.
The collapse of the Dunlop factory is emblematic of a larger issue plaguing the Rust Belt: foreign companies exploiting American resources and markets, only to pull the rug out when their balance sheets demand it. For years, the plant produced Dunlop tires for passenger cars, trucks, buses, and motorcycles, all while enriching its Japanese parent company.
Dunlop, a once-proud American brand, has become a victim of globalization. Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company previously managed Dunlop’s North American operations, but in 2015, Sumitomo took full control, ending its joint venture with the Ohio-based tire maker. Since then, decisions affecting American jobs have been made thousands of miles away, with little regard for the communities they impact.
While Sumitomo moves its operations overseas, 1,500 American families are left to pick up the pieces. The shutdown is not just a local tragedy—it’s a stark reminder of the growing need to prioritize American workers and industries. Foreign corporations should not be allowed to benefit from American tax dollars, infrastructure, and labor only to abandon their commitments when it’s convenient.
This story is yet another call to action: It’s time to put America first by demanding accountability from foreign-owned companies and investing in policies that protect American manufacturing jobs. The workers of Tonawanda—and countless others like them—deserve better.
