Editorial: Plant closing a punch in community’s gut

It was nothing short of a punch in the gut. News Monday that the BFGoodrich plant in Opelika would close its doors after 46 years of tire manufacturing is a major blow to the Opelika-Auburn community, and obviously to the more than 1,000 employees who depended upon the plant’s survival to feed their families.

For decades, this plant has been an excellent corporate citizen. Whether it was operated under the Uniroyal or BFGoodrich label, this plant and its employees were the largest contributors to the United Way of Lee County.

For now, the focus must be on the workers and families who are directly affected.

In all reality, most people in this area know we have been better off economically than in other places. Economic development recruiters have continued to lure industry into the area, adding lots of jobs over the years as we’ve watched our cities grow.

We must count our blessings. We would be in far worse shape had this area not been successful in attracting industry.

These industries and promise of other job opportunities might help soften the blow of Monday’s announcement, but that doesn’t make the loss of a thousand jobs any less significant.

That doesn’t make things easier for the employees and nearby businesses that relied on them.

Like the past closings of industries like Quantegy (Ampex) and West Point-Stevens, our community will be altered. Job losses will be felt.

We could point fingers, but who’s really to blame here?

The company?

The union?

Neither.

Michelin North America, which operates BFGoodrich, cited economic hardships and drop in market demand for the plant’s closing. Layoffs and closings in today’s world, especially in the past six months, are a harsh reality.

Industries everywhere are cutting back, consolidating, finding ways to minimize expenses and keep a steady flow of revenue.

It was a difficult business decision the brass at the company had to make and we believe it is one folks at corporate headquarters in Greenville, S.C., didn’t take lightly.