Bekaert to close steel-cord facility in Tennessee

Kortrijk, Belgium - NV Bekaert SA said it will will shut down its steel cord plant in Dyersburg, Tennessee, during the coming months and integrate its output into Bekaert facilities around the world.

The company said its decision is the result of the continued reduction of tyre production in North America. The Dyersburg facility employs 200, and has been operated by Bekaert since 1998. Its capacity is listed at 40,000 tonnes per year.

The supplier operates another other tyre cord plant in Rogers, Arkansas, and a hose-wire factory in Rome, Georgia.

Bekaert said it will work with the affected employees to support outplacement efforts over the coming months, while striving to provide its customers with a seamless transition during the phase-out. It didn't disclose its estimated costs for closing the plant and transferring production elsewhere.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)

Press release from Bekaert