Cycle News is a weekly magazine that covers all aspects of motorcycling including Supercross, Motocross and MotoGP as well as new motorcycles
Issue link: https://magazine.cyclenews.com/i/1529824
WIND IN THE P36 Dunlop Motorcycle Tires Factory Closes Its Doors S umitomo Rubber USA, owner of Dunlop Motorcycle Tires in North America, in the city of Tonawanda in Western New York near Buffalo, closed its doors on November 7, 2024. The facility manufactured Dunlop motorcycles tires and Falken automotive tires and is the Official Tire Supplier to the MotoAmerica Championship. The plant opened in 1923. Sumitomo took full control of it and the Dunlop Motorcycle Tire brand in October 2015 after par - ent company Sumitomo Rubber Industries ended a joint venture with Ohio-based Goodyear Dun - lop Tires North America. The sudden closure of one of the region's largest manufactur - ing operations took elected of- ficials and the approximate 1550 union and salaried employees by surprise. The Japan-based company said attempts to control costs, along with investments in the aging facility, had failed to offset mounting financial losses. "The plant closure is primarily due to overall facility performance within the increasingly com - petitive international tire market," according to a statement from Sumitomo. "This difficult decision follows a multi-year analysis of the company's financial situation and general market conditions." Efforts to save the Tonawanda plant included trying to find a buyer for it, Sumitomo said in a press release, but the company said there were no offers. Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz and Congressman Nick Langworthy said they are shocked over the sudden closure of the Sumitomo Rubber plant. Sumitomo had recently invest - ed $140 million in the facility, including $129 million in 2022, according to Poloncarz. "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," Poloncarz said. "At no point did Sumitomo ask for any additional assistance to remain in opera - tion, despite the fact we have always supported their efforts to succeed here in Erie County with tax incentives and assistance through the Erie County Indus - trial Development Agency." Langworthy said, "I'm gravely disappointed in this news. I mean, it comes as a shock... This is going to really sting here for our regional economy." Sumitomo said it is contacting customers and suppliers directly to manage any concerns regard - ing existing orders, delivery schedules, and ongoing contrac- tual obligations. CN Sumitomo Rubber USA, owner of Dunlop Motorcycle Tires in North America, in Western New York has ceased production.