Bridgestone Firestone North American Tire LLC (BFNT) could cease most or all passenger and light truck tire production at its LaVergne, Tenn., plant.
BFNT has provided United Steelworkers officials with a letter "that can serve as a six-month notice of the potential cessation of passenger and light truck tire manufacturing at the plant," say company officials.
"Prior to making any final decisions and in the spirit of cooperation... the company stands ready to immediately begin discussions with the USW on what, if any, actions could be taken to continue consumer tire production at that facility.
"If, after these good faith discussions, the decision is made to cease most or all passenger and light truck tire production at the plant, the elimination of consumer tire manufacturing (in LaVergne) could occur on or before June 30, 2009. This action would result in the elimination of 500 hourly and salaried jobs."
Any decision to curtail or end consumer tire production at the factory "will have no impact" on the plant's production of medium truck and bus tires.
Earlier today, BFNT announced it plans to lay off more than 150 employees at the LaVergne plant due to decreased consumer tire demand.
