BFGoodrich Tires Manufacturing Reorganization Shifts Production to Indiana

Michelin has confirmed a major restructuring of its U.S. manufacturing footprint for the BFGoodrich brand by initiating a phased transition of production away from its Tuscaloosa, Alabama, facility. The Michelin decision is part of the company's broader BFGoodrich Tires manufacturing reorganization, which aims to improve production efficiency by concentrating manufacturing activities at a single location. The transition will occur over multiple phases beginning in early 2027, with operations at the Tuscaloosa site expected to end by the close of 2028.

Production to Be Consolidated in Indiana

Under the announced plan, nearly all BFGoodrich tire production currently carried out in Tuscaloosa will be transferred to Michelin's manufacturing facility in Indiana, specifically its Fort Wayne plant. According to the company, consolidating manufacturing at one location is intended to improve operational efficiency while optimizing available production capacity across its U.S. manufacturing network.

Reason Behind the Manufacturing Reorganization

Michelin stated that both the Tuscaloosa and Fort Wayne facilities are currently operating significantly below their intended production capacities. The company explained that maintaining two underutilized plants has resulted in structural inefficiencies that are no longer sustainable. By centralizing production, Michelin expects to better align manufacturing operations with long-term business requirements while reducing inefficiencies across its BFGoodrich tire production network.

Tuscaloosa Plant Background

The Tuscaloosa facility became part of Michelin's manufacturing network following the acquisition of BFGoodrich in 1990. Located in Alabama, the plant specializes in producing BFGoodrich passenger car tires and currently employs approximately 1,200 people. Operations at the site will continue during the phased wind-down period before production is fully consolidated at the Fort Wayne facility by the end of 2028.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Michelin reorganizing BFGoodrich tire manufacturing?
Michelin is reorganizing BFGoodrich tire manufacturing to improve operational efficiency by consolidating production at a single U.S. facility. The company stated that both the Tuscaloosa and Fort Wayne plants have been operating well below their intended production capacities, creating structural inefficiencies that are not sustainable over the long term. Consolidating production is expected to optimize manufacturing capacity while supporting a more efficient production network for the BFGoodrich brand.

When will production end at the Tuscaloosa plant?
The phased wind-down of production at the Tuscaloosa facility is scheduled to begin in early 2027 and conclude by the end of 2028. During this transition period, manufacturing activities will gradually shift to Michelin's Fort Wayne, Indiana, plant. The company expects nearly all BFGoodrich tire production currently handled in Tuscaloosa to be consolidated at the Indiana facility once the reorganization is complete.

What products are manufactured at the Tuscaloosa facility?
The Tuscaloosa plant manufactures BFGoodrich passenger car tires and has been part of Michelin's manufacturing network since the BFGoodrich acquisition in 1990. The facility currently employs approximately 1,200 people and will continue operating throughout the phased transition period before manufacturing activities conclude as part of the company's broader U.S. production consolidation strategy.