Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. says it will temporarily shut down its tire manufacturing facilities in the United States and Mexico to protect the health and safety of employees and respond to market demand that has been impacted by coronavirus.
The process of phasing down production at the plants began March 21 and will proceed on a rolling schedule over the coming week, with facilities expected to be closed for two to three weeks. Cooper will continue to closely monitor the situation and adjust timelines as necessary.
The company is currently assessing plans for its Europe operations. Cooper’s plants in China, which reopened several weeks ago and have continued to ramp up production, remain in operation.
Cooper is closely monitoring supply chain and product inventory levels as the company focuses on continuing to serve customers. Cooper says it believes it currently has sufficient supply of product, and will continue to operate distribution centers until further notice to meet customer needs.
