Bridgestone Americas Tire Operations, LLC has announced the permanent closure of its manufacturing facility in LaVergne, Tennessee, a move that will result in the layoff of 658 employees. Operations are slated to cease beginning July 31, marking a significant change for both the company and the local economy.

The decision was formalized through a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act filing with the Tennessee Department of Labor and Workforce Development. This federal law requires employers to provide advance notice of significant layoffs or plant closures, allowing time for affected workers and communities to prepare for the transition.

The LaVergne plant, strategically situated between Murfreesboro and Nashville, has been a cornerstone of the region’s industrial landscape for over five decades. Initially opened by Firestone in 1971, the facility became Bridgestone’s first U.S. manufacturing site following its acquisition in 1988. For many years, it played a vital role in producing truck and bus radial tires, and had been recognized for its environmental efforts and community involvement.

Bridgestone has cited the need to "optimize its business footprint" and "improve operational efficiency" as the driving forces behind this substantial restructuring. This closure is part of a broader company strategy, outlined in its Mid Term Business Plan for 2024-2026, to enhance its core premium tire business, streamline operations, and reduce costs globally. The company also plans workforce reductions at its agriculture tire plant in Des Moines, Iowa, and cuts in corporate, sales, and operations divisions across the U.S., as well as similar initiatives in Argentina and Brazil.

The layoffs at the LaVergne plant will affect both hourly and salaried employees. Many of the workers are represented by the United Steelworkers union under a collective bargaining agreement. Discussions regarding severance packages are reportedly ongoing, with Bridgestone expressing optimism about reaching a mutually beneficial agreement. Employees covered under the master-contract agreement will also have preferential hiring rights at other Bridgestone facilities in Akron, Ohio; Des Moines, Iowa; and Russellville, Arkansas, offering some avenues for continued employment within the company.

The closure represents a considerable blow to the local economy of LaVergne and Rutherford County. LaVergne Mayor Jason Cole has expressed sadness over the shutdown but emphasized ongoing efforts to attract new job opportunities to the community.

Despite the plant's closure, Bridgestone's corporate presence in Middle Tennessee remains strong, with its Americas headquarters located in Nashville and continued investments in other facilities. Notably, the company is undertaking a significant $550 million expansion of its truck and bus tire plant in Warren County, Tennessee, projected to increase production capacity by nearly one-third upon completion in 2026.