A big week for Goodyear: News you may have missed

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.

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.

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.

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.