Cooper-Standard to close Ohio auto hose factory

ERJ staff report (R&PN)

Novi, Michigan -- Cooper-Standard Automotive Inc. said it will close its hose manufacturing plant in Bowling Green, Ohio, because of overcapacity in the North American automotive industry.

The company will relocate business and equipment from Bowling Green over the next 12 months to its other two North American hose facilities, one in Mount Sterling, Ky., and the other in Atlacomulco, Mexico. Cooper-Standard said a review of its hose production capacity-along with future North American vehicle production forecasts-showed that there was not enough volume to keep all three hose factories open.

The Bowling Green hose operation employs about 200 and makes low-pressure rubber hoses for a variety of auto makers. The company said it is working with United Steelworkers Local 1152L, which represents hourly workers there, and with state and local agencies in accordance with the federal Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act.

From Rubber & Plastics News (A Crain publication)

Press release from Cooper Standard