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Local News

Wednesday, November 25, 2009

Cooper factory adding capacity, jobs
LaRiche Toyota-Subaru
By LOU WILIN

STAFF WRITER

Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. reported Tuesday it is adding manufacturing capacity and up to 100 jobs at its Findlay factory in 2010.

Cooper will be spending $10 million for automation and equipment upgrades and purchases at the plant.

Tire demand seems to be improving, said Investor Relations Director Curtis Schneekloth.

Cooper North American Tire Manufacturing Vice President John Bodart said the Findlay plant in 2010 will play “a key role in Cooper Tire's launch of several new light truck, (sport utility vehicle) and premium winter tire products.”

“Taken together, this expansion demonstrates the strong impact Findlay has on the company's strategic objectives of creating a sustainable, competitive cost position, achieving top-line profitable growth and building our organizational capabilities,” Bodart said.

This year, Cooper has reported capacity increases and expansions at factories in Texarkana, Ark., and Tupelo, Miss., as well as at its joint venture in Guadalajara, Mexico, and the Cooper Kenda Tire joint venture in Kunshan, China.

U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, credited the new jobs at Cooper's Findlay plant to President Barack Obama's decision last September to impose tariffs on Chinese-made tires.

“This is proof positive that enforcement of trade law can save and create jobs,” Brown said Tuesday. “Workers in Findlay can build the best tires in the world, but they need their government to fight back against heavily-subsidized and minimally-regulated imports.”

United Steelworkers last April told the International Trade Commission that steep increases in Chinese tire imports -- from just under 15 million in 2004 to more than 46 million in 2008 -- cost more than 5,000 tire industry jobs in that period. Brown petitioned the trade commission on behalf of Findlay workers.

The trade commission in June ruled that Chinese tire imports caused market disruption in the U.S. tire industry.

Wilin: 419-427-8413, Send an e-mail to Lou Wilin


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3 Comments

Latest comments listed first.
ROBERT ALLEN THOMAS wrote:
JOB
“ IM UNEMPLOYED ”
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 11:48:49 AM
Dan wrote:
Cooper factory adding capacity, jobs
“ I hope Ron is correct as I have often wondered if there is any follow-up if jobs are actually created using state funds. ”
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 9:24:41 AM
ron wrote:
we will see
“ Under a new law, Ohio Attorney General Richard Cordray is following up with thousands of companies that received state money in exchange for job promises.
Cordray is sending letters to recipients of development funds asking that they fill out an online report within 30 days to show evidence that they are indeed creating or retaining jobs.
The attorney general says a law passed by the General Assembly requires his office to monitor whether businesses are using tax dollars as intended.
The letters are going to 3,000 companies that got state aid from July of 2004 through June of this year.
 ”
Wednesday, November 25, 2009 5:55:45 AM
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  LATEST COMMENTS Last 10 comments submitted by our readers...
tim wrote in article "Officials say stuck cars may be towed":
put the blades down this time
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2/9/2010 10:39:25 AM
Jimbo wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
To Debbie..
“ I want to express that I understand where you are going with your post, but be practical. If a level 3 is called, that means no... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 10:35:28 AM
Steve wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":
unknown
“ That would be a personal responsibility choice. We all know what the winter situation is in NW Ohio and we all should be prepar... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 9:56:48 AM
J wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Citizen........
“ Findlay is located in Hancock County..... Therefore, yes. If Hancock Co goes into a level 3 that includes Findlay.... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 9:17:27 AM
Debbie wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Level 3
“ Weathertech09~ would you like the hospital to be closed because no one is there to care for you or a loved one due to being cite... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 9:04:12 AM
STEVE wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
LEVEL 3
“ Citizen, Is the City of Findlay in Hancock County? I believe the article ref all the cars stuck in the snow Barker specifically... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 8:55:52 AM
Interested Observer... wrote in article "Blowing snow stalls traffic":
Unknown
“ In case you've never looked into it, which you obviously haven't. You can buy a used 4WD for the same money as a lot of 2WD veh... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 8:51:30 AM
Yvonne Hendricks wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Level 3 Snow Emergencies
“ Maybe if a Level 3 is called "before" the roads are impassable, those of us who's employers refuse to let us go before a level 3... ” Read More...
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llv wrote in article "Sheriff reminds motorists of road level advisories":
Level 3
“ Level 3 emergency: Most roadways are closed and extremely hazardous. Employees should comply with workplace policies or contact... ” Read More...
2/9/2010 7:48:01 AM
SARA wrote in article "Four named Findlay fire captains":
SERIOUSLY?
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Get Fit in 2010!
News Briefs D.C. trip delayed
A trip to Washington, D.C. that Findlay and Ottawa officials were planning to make this week has been postponed because of the inclement weather.

Findlay Mayor Pete Sehnert said officials have rescheduled the trip for Feb. 23 to meet with a lobbying group and congressional representatives regarding federal spending on flood control projects.

Fostoria requires clearing sidewalks
FOSTORIA -- Fostoria residents are responsible for removing snow and ice from sidewalks within 12 hours of a storm, according to police Capt. Patrick Brooks.

The city code covers residential owners or tenants, and business owners of properties which abut a sidewalk.

An offense is a minor misdemeanor, with a fine of up to $100. Each day constitutes a separate offense.

Library in Forest reschedules event
FOREST -- Because of the expected inclement weather, the Forest-Jackson Public Library has rescheduled its Valentine luncheon planned for Thursday to 11:30 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18.

Reservations are required. Anyone with questions can call the library at 419-273-2400.

Disc golf tourney set for Saturday
The Ray Heverling Charity Ice Bowl Tournament has been rescheduled for 1 p.m. Saturday at Riverbend Recreation Area, off Ohio 568 east of Findlay.

Registration begins at noon.

The tournament was canceled last Saturday because of a snowstorm.

The Disc Golf Community Association, in cooperation with the Hancock Park District, sponsors the event. Proceeds go to the Family Center of Findlay-Hancock County.

For more information contact Nathan Buck at p_nate@thecatalystcc.com or 419-306-7405. Entry fee is $20. Additional donations are accepted.

Housing Authority meeting postponed
Because of an expected winter storm this week, the Hancock Metropolitan Housing Authority has canceled its regular board meeting scheduled for Thursday. It will be held at 8 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 18 at the Family Center.

Fostoria library to close Monday
FOSTORIA -- Kaubisch Memorial Public Library will be closed Monday, Feb. 15, in observance of Presidents Day.

Crime Of The Week
Findlay/Hancock County Crime Stoppers is looking for information about a break-in at the Arlington Pharmacy, 200 Main St., at 12:51 a.m. Dec. 28.

A glass pane in the front door of the business was shattered, and entry was made. Once inside, the perpetrators took prescription medications and fled on foot.

Two white males were seen running from the business. The males were possibly in their late teens to early 20s, and possibly entered a vehicle.

People with information about this or any other crime that would lead to an arrest or indictment will be eligible for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Crime Stoppers can be called weekdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 419-425-TIPS or 419-425-8477. Callers can remain anonymous.

The Web site is www.hancockcrimestoppers.org.