Leftwich Will Continue Efforts To Save Oklahoma City Tire Plant

Senator Debbe Leftwich said Friday that Oklahoma officials should do everything within their power to prevent the closure of the Dayton Tire plant in southwest Oklahoma City.
The Oklahoma City Democrat said she would be working with Governor Brad Henry in an effort to convince company officials to keep the plant open.

I am obviously disappointed by the announcement of the potential closure of the Dayton Tire plant in Oklahoma City, but were not throwing in the towel yet. I will be working with Governor Henry in the coming days and weeks in an effort to convince Daytons parent company to continue operations at the facility, Leftwich said.

Officials from Bridgestone America, the company that owns the Dayton Tire plant, announced Friday afternoon that the company may close the plant in November. The facility currently employs 1,500 workers. Market forces were blamed for the potential closure.

Leftwich said officials should consider possible legislative options in their quest to keep the plant from closing.

Two years ago I authored legislation aimed specifically at providing an incentive program that would allow Dayton to modernize its Oklahoma City plant and continue its operations here. To date, the company has chosen not take advantage of those lucrative tax incentives, but I remain committed to seeking all legislative remedies that will allow the plant to remain open, Leftwich said.

The lawmaker said she will be working to ensure that the state is prepared should the plant eventually close.

I am also committed to making certain that all appropriate state services will be made available to the displaced workers should that occur, Leftwich said.