Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz today issued the following statement regarding the sudden closure of Sumitomo Rubber’s Tonawanda facility, a move that affects over 1,500 employees:
“The sudden closing of Sumitomo Rubber’s Tonawanda facility came as a complete surprise. It also appears that workers at the facility, including those in management, were unaware that a closure was imminent, at least until late last night when I also was made aware of the situation. 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. At no point did Sumitomo ask for any additional assistance to remain in operation, despite the fact we have always supported their efforts to succeed here in Erie County with tax incentives and assistance through the Erie County Industrial Development Agency.
In fact, as a board member of the Erie County Industrial Development Agency, I supported a $1.8 million combined sales and property tax incentive in 2021 as part of Sumitomo’s then $129 million investment in the facility, as well as in 2017 a $1.2 million sale and property tax incentive package in concert with Sumitomo’s $9.7 million investment then.
I have already spoken to Governor Kathy Hochul and other officials about the situation, and we will continue to work with our partners to make every effort to keep the facility open and save jobs, if possible.
Finally, to the 1,500 employees affected by this harsh foreign corporate decision, we in Erie County government will do all we can to keep the plant open, and if the closure is indeed permanent, we in will work with you in earnest to secure new employment here in the community you call home.”
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