ORANGE, Texas (June 19, 2009)—Firestone Polymers L.L.C. will temporarily lay off about 25 hourly workers effective June 27 at its synthetic rubber plant in Orange because of declining demand in both the plastics and tire markets.
The production cutback will continue throughout 2009 and possibly into 2010, according to a company statement. The move is meant to balance production and inventory with demand.
“We will continue to evaluate the marketplace to determine when the Orange facility can return to previous production levels,” the statement said.
About 35 percent of the SR produced at Orange is sold directly to Bridgestone Group tire plants, with the remaining going to outside customers. The facility employs about 160 hourly workers represented by United Steelworkers Local 13-836.