Western Rubber closes after 100 years of operation

GOSHEN, Ind. (March 1)—Rubber molder and automotive supplier Western Rubber Inc.—founded in 1902 in Goshen—closed its doors abruptly Feb. 21. The firm halted its manufacturing operations, let go its production and salaried workers and began moving equipment out of the facility, though no official confirmation has been made on the disposition of the company's business or its machinery. Western, owned by Wisconsin holding company the Garrett Group, has contacted companies who are willing to serve its customers. Despite its recent financial struggles, there had been no indication to the workers a closing or sale was pending, said Dan Kincaid, chairman of United Steelworkers Local 650. The company's hourly workers were told about the closing Feb. 21, and also informed they had only two hours to clear the plant.