| Transcription | Firestone To Close Steel Products Unit / Consolidate Warehousing /
By JOSEPH E. KUBELER (sic)
Business And Industrial Writer
Firestone will close its steel products plant in Akron next year and utilize the
space to consolidate tire warehousing
facilities.
In announcing the decision today, J. E. Trainer, executive vice president, said the
move will strengthen the company's tire distribution activities in this area.
"In bringing together the warehousing and the local manufacturing operation, the
Akron tire producing facility will be made more competitive with the company's
other tire plants" Trainer said.
HE IS HOPEFUL the consolidation can lead to increased tire production in Akron.
In addition to the steel products plant, several other areas will be available for
the warehousing operation which is expected to provide employment for 90 to 100.
Founded in 1909, Firestone Steel Products Co. was the first subsidiary established
by the company. It was started by the late Harvey S. Firestone to manufacture rims
nine years after he launched his enterprise.
Under the new program, Firestone is to consolidate rim operations in its two other
steel products plants in Wyandotte,, Mich, and Quincy, Ill.
IN RECENT years, the steel products division was expanded to include a line of
stainless steel beverage containers as well as metal stampings for the auto
industry. They are the principal items of the Akron plant.
To compete more economically in the manufacture of these products, Firestone will
build a plant in Spartanburg, S. C. for its stamping operations, Trainer said.
Plans call for it to be ready next summer.
Currently the steel products company employs 440 in Akron.
Trainer noted that the steel products administrative, research, development
and engineering functions will remain in Akron. |
