2 Uniroyal-brand tire plants close in Mexico

MEXICO CITY (Aug. 4)—Uniroyal S.A. de C.V. has closed tire plants in Tacuba and Queretaro, Mexico, because of cost competitive reasons. The Groupe Michelin operation said over the past 10 years it has repeatedly tried to cut costs and reduce productivity, but the two plants were the least cost-competitive Uniroyal brand facilities in North America. The company said 760 employees affected by the decision will receive a severance package, with payments beginning immediately. The 23-year-old Queretaro factory has the capacity to make 6,000 passenger and truck radials daily. The Tacuba plant was built in 1946 and can produce as many as 3,200 bias auto, truck and bus tires each day, according to the Rubber & Plastics New Global Tire Report.