Skip to main content
Sister Publication Links
  • European Rubber Journal
  • Plastics News
  • Tire Business
Subscribe
  • Login
  • Register
  • Subscribe
  • News
    • Automotive
    • Tire
    • Non-Tire
    • Suppliers
    • ITEC
    • Silicone
    • Online Exclusive
    • Latex
    • Technical Notebooks
    • Executive Action
    • Government/Legal
    • Opinion
    • Rubber Division IEC
    • Blogs
    • Sustainability
    • Products
    • Wacky World of Rubber
  • War in Ukraine
  • Custom
    • Sponsored Content
    • White Papers
  • Resources
    • Directory
    • Classifieds & Mold Mart
  • Data
  • Events
    • RN Events
    • RN Livestreams/Webinars
    • Industry Events
    • Past Events
    • Rubber News M&A Live
    • 2022 Hose & Belt Manufacturers Conference
    • 2022 International Silicone Conference
    • 2022 International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
    • 2022 Women Breaking the Mold
  • Advertise
  • DIGITAL EDITION
MENU
Breadcrumb
  1. Home
  2. Tire
February 09, 2020 01:25 PM

A big week for Goodyear: News you may have missed

Rubber & Plastics News Staff
  • Tweet
  • Share
  • Share
  • Email
  • More
    Print

    The first week of February was a big one for Goodyear. Here's a look at the news you may have missed from the Akron-based tire maker.

    Goodyear said it will "work with the Chinese government to determine the appropriate time to reopen these facilities."

    1. China operations suspended in wake of coronavirus outbreak

    As the coronavirus spreads, a number of international companies with operations in China have been forced to suspend activities in an effort to protect their workers. Reuters reported earlier in the week that auto makers temporarily shut down plants throughout the country, and auto suppliers have been forced to do the same.

    Goodyear is among them, having suspended operations at two of its facilities.

    2. Gadsden's tire plant takes another employment hit

    Employment at Goodyear's Gadsden, Ala., tire plant continues to fall. Earlier in the year, Goodyear offered buyouts to nearly 750 employees.

    Last week, the tire maker laid off 105 and cut its production there.

    The work force now stands at 411 hourly employees, down from about 1,200 just a few months ago and from more than 1,600 a few years ago, according to Mickey Ray Williams Jr., president of United Steelworkers Local 12, which represents workers at Gadsden.

    Goodyear CEO and President Rich Kramer addresses tire dealers during his annual keynote address at the 2020 Goodyear Customer Conference. (Tire Business photo by Don Detore)

    3. 3-point plan for the future

    Goodyear welcomed more than 1,400 tire dealers and their guests to Aurora, Colo., for its annual Goodyear Customer Conference, a four-day event hosted at the Gaylord Rockies Convention Center.

    Against a backdrop of the theme, Built to Lead, the tire maker offered a wealth of information to help dealers succeed, unveiled new products and offered a road map for the future.

    In his keynote presentation, Chairman, CEO and President Rich Kramer identified three keys for the company's success as it looks to navigate a new reality of mobility that includes ride sharing, autonomous vehicles and electric vehicles. They are: Plan, partnership and purpose.

    Goodyear introduced its WinterCommand Ultra and Assurance ComfortDrive tires at the 2020 Customer Conference in Aurora, Colo.

    4. Two popular tire lines are getting an update
    During its Goodyear Customer Conference, the tire maker introduced the latest iteration of the Assurance ComfortDrive and the e WinterCommand Ultra, a studless winter tire.

    Mike Dwyer, chief customer officer, introduced both tires during the morning session, which also featured presentations from Steve McClellan, president of Goodyear Americas; Dave Beasley, vice president, North America, commercial; Cary Budzinksi, senior director, North America, commercial sales; and Scott Rogers, president, North American consumer.

    5. Complete Tire Management makes its debut

    The Akron-based tire maker introduced Complete Tire Management, a suite of services intended to help commercial fleets improve efficiency. To achieve this, the fleets assign greater responsibility for their tire service needs to Goodyear's nationwide network of tire dealers.

    The service includes tire monitoring, insights and service capabilities.

    "Businesses have a lot riding on their tire investments. Their ability to deliver goods and services for their customers is dependent on reliable mobility," said Johnny McIntosh, Goodyear's director of integrated solutions and tire management.

    Letter
    to the
    Editor

    Rubber News wants to hear from its readers. If you want to express your opinion on a story or issue, email your letter to Editor Bruce Meyer at [email protected].

    Most Popular
    1
    Continental to build $40 million hose plant in Mexico
    2
    Economists warn of extended inflation, incoming recession
    3
    Curtis Brison leaving Hankook, interim president named
    4
    Michelin to end tire production in Russia, transfer operations
    5
    Michelin growth strategy looks at tires and beyond
    SIGN UP FOR NEWSLETTERS
    EMAIL ADDRESS

    Please enter a valid email address.

    Please enter your email address.

    Please verify captcha.

    Please select at least one newsletter to subscribe.

    Get our newsletters

    Staying current is easy with Rubber News delivered straight to your inbox, free of charge.

    Subscribe Today

    Subscribe to Rubber News to get the best coverage and leading insights in the industry.

    SUBSCRIBE
    Connect with Us
    • LinkedIn
    • Facebook
    • Twitter

    MISSION

    To serve companies in the global rubber product industry by delivering news, industry insights, opinions and technical information.

    Contact Us

    2291 Riverfront Pkwy, Suite 1000
    Cuyahoga Falls,
    OH 44221

    Customer Service:
    877-320-1726

    Resources
    • About Us
    • Digital Edition
    • Staff
    • Advertise
    • Order Reprints
    • Privacy Policy
    • Privacy Request
    • Terms of Service
    • Careers
    • Ad Choices Ad Choices
    • Sitemap
    Partner Sites
    • Tire Business
    • European Rubber Journal
    • Plastics News
    • Plastics News China
    • Urethanes Technology
    • Automotive News
    • Crain Brands
    Copyright © 1996-2022. Crain Communications, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
    • News
      • Automotive
      • Tire
      • Non-Tire
      • Suppliers
      • ITEC
      • Silicone
      • Online Exclusive
      • Latex
      • Technical Notebooks
      • Executive Action
      • Government/Legal
      • Opinion
      • Rubber Division IEC
      • Blogs
        • Products
        • Wacky World of Rubber
      • Sustainability
    • War in Ukraine
    • Custom
      • Sponsored Content
      • White Papers
    • Resources
      • Directory
      • Classifieds & Mold Mart
    • Data
    • Events
      • RN Events
        • 2022 Hose & Belt Manufacturers Conference
        • 2022 International Silicone Conference
        • 2022 International Tire Exhibition & Conference (ITEC)
        • 2022 Women Breaking the Mold
      • RN Livestreams/Webinars
      • Industry Events
      • Past Events
      • Rubber News M&A Live
    • Advertise
    • DIGITAL EDITION