Michelin North America will close its BFGoodrich tire operations in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, by the end of 2028, a major manufacturing decision that will affect about 1,200 workers and shift most production to Indiana.
Tuscaloosa Operations Will Phase Out
The Tuscaloosa facility handles tire production and rubber-mixing work for BFGoodrich. Michelin said those operations will continue during the transition but will gradually decrease over the next two years.
The plant was temporarily idled on Thursday so managers could meet directly with employees and explain the decision. Michelin said normal operations are expected to resume Monday, June 29, 2026.
The company said no immediate separations are expected while transition plans are finalized. Job cuts are expected to begin later in the process as production slows and the site moves toward closure.
Production Moves to Indiana
Nearly all BFGoodrich tire production, now tied to Tuscaloosa, will move to Michelin’s plant in Fort Wayne, Indiana. The company said the Fort Wayne facility has the scale, footprint, and infrastructure to support the brand’s future production.
Michelin said both Tuscaloosa and Fort Wayne have been operating below full capacity. The company said that underuse created structural inefficiencies across its manufacturing network.
Terry Redmile, Michelin’s senior vice president for manufacturing operations in the Americas, said the company could not find a feasible structure to keep the Tuscaloosa operation open while improving its long-term competitiveness.
About 1,200 Jobs Are Affected
The closure is expected to affect roughly 1,200 employees in Tuscaloosa. The plant is one of the region’s best-known industrial employers and has been part of the area’s manufacturing base for decades.
The plant will affect 1,200 workers under the company’s closure plan. Michelin has not released a detailed breakdown of salaried, hourly, production, or support positions that will be eliminated.
Local economic groups have described the facility as a large employer in West Alabama. Some local figures place the broader site workforce above Michelin’s announced impact number, with one local report saying the facility employs about 1,450 workers.
Company Cites Market Pressure
Michelin said the decision was driven by structural inefficiencies and stronger competition in the recreation and off-road tire market, a core segment for BFGoodrich.
The company said the brand remains important to its business. But it said the manufacturing system behind the brand needs to be reorganized to meet current market conditions.
Plant Dates Back to 1946
The Tuscaloosa plant has been a long-running part of Alabama’s tire manufacturing sector. Local coverage said production began in 1946, giving the facility an 80-year presence in the community.
For generations of workers, the plant has represented stable industrial employment in a city also known for the University of Alabama, auto manufacturing, logistics, and regional health care.
Local Officials Prepare Response
Tuscaloosa officials said they will work with county, state, and economic development partners to support workers and respond to the expected job losses. Mayor Walt Maddox said the city will coordinate with the Alabama Department of Commerce, Tuscaloosa County, the Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority, and the West Alabama Chamber.
Shutdown Timeline Runs Through 2028
The closure will not happen immediately. Michelin said the first phase of the wind-down will begin in early 2027, with operations ending by the close of 2028.
The immediate focus is on employee communication, union discussions, and transition planning. The plant is expected to resume normal activity on June 29 after the temporary pause for worker meetings.
