Regional Partners Launch Workforce Transition Plan For BFGoodrich Employees

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A coalition of organizations has launched a coordinated effort to help employees and families prepare for the closure of the BFGoodrich tire plant in Tuscaloosa while also planning for the site's long-term future.

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As Patch previously reported, Michelin North America announced last week that its decision to permanently shutter its longtime BFGoodrich plant in Tuscaloosa was due to it operating "well below" capacity.

The closure of the facility, which first opened in 1946, will ultimately impact around 1,200 jobs when operations eventually cease in 2028.

The initiative announced Wednesday by West AlabamaWorks will bring together local, regional and state partners to coordinate services for workers affected by the planned closure and position the Tuscaloosa area for future economic development.

Although production at the BFGoodrich plant is expected to continue for an extended period, community leaders said they believe it is important to begin planning now rather than waiting until manufacturing operations end.

According to the announcement, the collaborative effort has two primary goals: helping affected employees transition into future employment opportunities and developing a long-term strategy for the property and the regional economy.

Representatives from workforce development agencies, colleges and universities, economic development organizations, state agencies, community service providers and mental health organizations have begun coordinating available resources so they will be accessible to workers as more information becomes available.

The partnership's initial priorities include:

• Coordinating workforce transition resources among local, regional and state agencies.
• Identifying education, credentialing and workforce training opportunities.
• Developing career navigation and employment assistance services.
• Working with regional employers to identify future job opportunities.
• Organizing financial, mental health and other family support services.
• Evaluating long-term redevelopment opportunities for the BFGoodrich property after manufacturing operations conclude.

Officials said beginning the planning process now will allow organizations to prepare workforce resources, identify training opportunities and develop support services before employees begin transitioning out of the facility.

The organizations involved emphasized that supporting employees and their families will remain the top priority throughout the transition.

Additional details about available resources and future planning efforts are expected to be released as coordination among the participating organizations continue.

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