The former Sumitomo Rubber plant in Tonawanda has been sold to Taiwanese company Hwa Fong Rubber, marking a significant shift in the region’s manufacturing landscape. Sumitomo Rubber announced the closure of its Tonawanda operations earlier this year, resulting in the loss of over 1,500 jobs. The sale, confirmed on October 14, 2023, signals a new beginning for the facility located at 10 Sheridan Drive, as Hwa Fong Rubber plans to initiate manufacturing operations by early 2026.
Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joseph Emminger expressed optimism about the acquisition, highlighting the potential for job creation. He stated, “It’s certainly a good way to start the work week this morning, when we got the news that the Sumitomo Rubber plant had been sold to a company out of Taiwan, and they’re looking to bring 150 to 250 jobs back into our area.” Hwa Fong Rubber intends to utilize a portion of the facility, which spans approximately two million square feet, while leasing additional space to various partners for manufacturing, packaging, and shipping operations.
State Assemblymember William Conrad, who represents the district, noted the interest from multiple partners in leasing space at the plant. He indicated that Hwa Fong Rubber is engaging with several companies to ensure the site is fully utilized. “They have a wide variety of different interested partners,” Conrad remarked.
In a prepared statement, Alex Chiu, CEO of Hwa Fong Rubber USA, emphasized the potential of the facility. He described the site as a “natural evolution for the former Sumitomo Rubber USA plant location” and expressed a commitment to transforming it into a hub of manufacturing activity that will benefit both the Western New York and New York State economies.
Local officials have welcomed the development. State Senator Sean Ryan stated, “This is welcome news for Tonawanda and all of Western New York. I want to thank Hwa Fong Rubber for recognizing the site’s potential and choosing to invest in our local workforce.” Assemblymember Jon Rivera echoed this sentiment, highlighting the investment as crucial for revitalizing a key component of Tonawanda’s industrial landscape.
The transition follows Sumitomo’s abrupt closure in November 2022, which left many in the community reeling. The impact of this new acquisition on former employees remains uncertain, particularly regarding whether they will be prioritized for the new positions that Hwa Fong Rubber plans to create.
Emminger acknowledged the efforts made by Sumitomo to facilitate the sale, stating, “The Sumitomo ownership group, the Sumitomo local representatives, have been very upfront and honest with what’s been going on from day one.” He added that discussions with Hwa Fong Rubber officials are scheduled for next week, where he plans to address the company’s involvement in the town’s raw water project, aimed at improving water intakes at the closed NRG Huntley plant.
As the region anticipates the arrival of Hwa Fong Rubber, the focus will be on revitalizing the local economy and restoring jobs that were lost with the closure of the Sumitomo plant. The community’s response to this transition will be closely monitored as plans develop over the coming months.
