Achieving a competitive product in all aspects is essential, both for Dunlop and for any other manufacturer or company. And in terms of competitiveness we are referring not only to the technical aspect, where it has stood out since its foundation in 1888 by John Boyd Dunlop, but also to the economic aspect.
And, as we have seen recently with other companies in the sector, even achieving good sales figures one year does not guarantee financial stability in the years to come. That is why Dunlop is looking for ways to lower its costs and has decided to close its plant in Buffalo, New York, a year after celebrating the factory’s 50th anniversary.
The announcement was made by the parent company, Sumitomo Rubber, and Dunlop has long belonged to this Japanese company and the American company GoodYear. This announcement means the dismissal of 1,500 factory employees. Dunlop will transfer the production that until now was carried out there to different factories they have, both in Japan and in the rest of the planet.
Despite the closure, Dunlop will continue to sell its products in the United States
This does not imply, as they stated, any type of impact on the commercial part, since their ranges will continue to be sold as they usually did. Also, at least for now, they will continue to carry out testing, research and development in the United States, although they recognize that the exact location has not yet been decided nor the plan has been finalized.
As for the 1,500 affected, they are working on different compensation packages after notifying the Steel Workers Union about the closure and, they are also offering support services for the job relocation of their employees. A complicated situation for them and their families.
