Firestone's Rich History In Woodstock Comes To An End

Wednesday, 4 October 2017 09:31

Employees were given grim news of the Woodstock plant closing by the end of 2018.

WOODSTOCK - About 200 employees of the Firestone plant in Woodstock got some unwelcoming news this morning. The Firestone Fibers and Textiles plant has announced they will begin the first phase of their closure as early as December 31, 2017. The official announcement came earlier today at meeting with their 200 employees.

Heart FM spoke with Justin Monaghan a representative of the parent company - Bridgestone Canada Inc., to get the official word of the plant closing it's doors.

"Following careful consideration and a thorough assessment of our business, Firestone Fibers and Textiles has reached the decision to close the Woodstock Ontario plant, production is going to ramp down at the end of 2017, and the plant will cease operations completely by the end of 2018."

The company has a long history in the community, employing many residents since it was founded in 1936. Rumours of the plant closing began quite sometime ago, however, Monaghan would not comment on how long the plans have been in the works.

Monaghan adds that the company is doing everything they can to ensure a smooth transition for their employees.

"The plant has 35 salaried teammates and 135 hourly teammates, and we are still working with our union partners on the transition and how we can best support the team mates during this time but we are committed to reducing the impact of this decision on both the team mates and the community."

The company is stressing how difficult the decision was to close up shop in Woodstock. The company says increasing global competition and difficult market conditions are to blame for the closure. Bill Thompson, Chief Operating Officer with Bridgestone Americas, Inc., says the company had a great deal to consider.

“This has been an incredibly difficult decision that has come about only after extensive consideration and a thorough assessment of our business and operations.”

Thompson adds gratitude for the staff, “There is a strong team at the Woodstock plant, and we are grateful for our employees’ contributions to our business and the community, we are proud of our long-standing presence in Woodstock and our Canadian footprint, and are focused first on our employees through this transition, but also on our customers, suppliers and community partners.”

Bridgestone will be working with Local 175 of the United Food and Commercial Workers Union representing the hourly employees to strategise how best to support the workers affected as they will be forced to find new employment. The company is exploring outplacement assistance and onsite job fairs in addition to severance packages. Details about the severance package the employees will receive are still being worked out between management of the company and representatives of Local 175.

The plant will Ramp down over the course of 18 months, and cease operations by the end of 2018.