Poloncarz says Sumitomo Rubber closure surprised county

Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz said on Nov. 7, 2024, that Sumitomo Rubber USA surprised county officials with the announcement it is closing its Town of Tonawanda plant where 1,500 workers are employed.

Erie County Executive Mark C. Poloncarz on Thursday called Sumitomo Rubber USA's decision to close its Town of Tonawanda plant where 1,500 workers are employed a "harsh foreign corporate decision" that caught local and state officials by surprise.

“The sudden closing of Sumitomo Rubber’s Tonawanda facility came as a complete surprise," Poloncarz said. "It also appears that workers at the facility, including those in management, were unaware that a closure was imminent, at least until late last night when I also was made aware of the situation.

"It appears this decision was made by the Japanese owner’s board without any discussion with local and state officials about the possibility of closure. At no point did Sumitomo ask for any additional assistance to remain in operation, despite the fact we have always supported their efforts to succeed here in Erie County with tax incentives and assistance through the Erie County Industrial Development Agency," he said.

He noted that as a member of the Erie County Industrial Development Agency's board he supported a $1.8 million combined sales and property tax incentive for Sumitomo in 2021 as part of Sumitomo’s $129 million investment in the facility, as well as a $1.2 million sales and property tax incentive package in 2017 in concert with Sumitomo’s $9.7 million investment then.

"I have already spoken to Governor Kathy Hochul and other officials about the situation, and we will continue to work with our partners to make every effort to keep the facility open and save jobs, if possible," he said.

"Finally, to the 1,500 employees affected by this harsh foreign corporate decision, we in Erie County government will do all we can to keep the plant open, and if the closure is indeed permanent, we will work with you in earnest to secure new employment here in the community you call home,” Poloncarz said.

Contact Mike McAndrew at [email protected]

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“This is heartbreaking news,” said Joe Herbeck, 68, a retired employee of the plant who lives in North Tonawanda.

Assembly Member Bill Conrad Conrad in a statement Thursday blasted the company for blindsiding plant workers with the announcement and refusin…

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Sumitomo was part of a base of large manufacturers in Tonawanda that includes General Motors and DuPont.

While the plant closing will be devastating for Sumitomo’s workers, there also is hope that many will be able to find other jobs.

"The ceasing of operations [Thursday] places Sumitomo in default of their agreements with the ECIDA, and we will be notifying Sumitomo of that…