Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. is in discussions to close its Fayetteville, North Carolina plant by the end of 2027, dealing a significant economic blow to Cumberland County. The closure of the 2.2-million-square-foot facility — the county’s fifth-largest employer — would eliminate more than 2,000 jobs and end over 55 years of manufacturing operations. The company cited competitive pressures as the driving factor. Goodyear reported a net loss of $249 million in its first-quarter 2026 earnings. Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin acknowledged the setback, saying the city would face the challenge head-on.
In-Depth:
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (WTVD) — In a major economic blow to Cumberland County, ABC11 has learned that the county’s fifth-largest employer, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co, is in discussions to close by the conclude of 2027.
The closure of the more than 2.2 million-square-foot plant would leave more than 2,000 people without jobs.
The closure would conclude more than 55 years of manufacturing at the facility. For decades, the plant has provided generations of stable employment in the area and played a key role in the region’s economic strength.
The company cited the required to strengthen its ability to compete in the current marketplace as the reason behind the decision.
Goodyear’s Senior Director of Global Manufacturing & Supply Chain Communications, Kylie Ulanski, notified ABC11 that “The tire indusattempt is modifying quick, and Goodyear must alter with it. As the only remaining U.S.-based tire manufacturer, we are committed to U.S. manufacturing in today’s evolving market. After extensive efforts to build the Fayetteville, North Carolina, facility competitive, Goodyear is in discussions with the United Steelworkers to close the facility by the conclude of 2027.
“This difficult action is necessary to strengthen Goodyear’s ability to compete in today’s marketplace and support the long-term health of the business,” Ulanski added. “Our focus is on treating all impacted associates fairly and communicating openly as discussions shift forward.”
The news follows Goodyear’s May 7 first-quarter earnings report, in which CEO Mark Stewart described a “challenging environment.” The company reported a net loss of $249 million for the first quarter.
Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin addressed the situation, declareing, “While this news is disappointing, Fayetteville has always risen to meet challenges head-on.”
In the summer of 2022, the Fayetteville United Steelworkers Union threatened a strike over contract nereceivediations that had stalled over wages.
Ultimately, a new four-year contract was agreed upon.
Since then, the company has reported a loss in sales.
Questions remain about potential severance packages and next steps for affected workers. Employees declared they are still processing the news and working to determine their options shifting forward.
– The Associated Press contributed.
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