Bridgestone/Firestone Decatur, Ill., plant to close Dec. 14

DECATUR, Ill. (Dec. 6)—The last tire from Bridgestone/Firestone Inc.´s Decatur plant will be made Dec. 14 as the facility's 38-year run as a company factory ends. The majority of workers will be out of the plant by Dec. 14th and 15th. More than 1,800 hourly and salaried employees will lose their jobs by year's end. The company, in the meantime, is working with community and economic development officials to decide how best to market the building and land at the site beginning early next year. Bridgestone/Firestone issued a six-month plant closure notice on June 27, and after negotiating with the USWA, announced Aug. 15 the decision was final. Layoffs began Sept. 24.