BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) — A Taiwan-based rubber company intends to buy the former Sumitomo Rubber plant in Tonawanda that closed last year, it was announced on Tuesday.

Hwa Fong Rubber, a tire-making company, will also make wheel parts, transmissions, chassis and "other components" at the Sheridan Drive facility.

Sumitomo closed the plant in November 2024, causing over 1,500 layoffs of salaried and unionized workers. Hwa Fong buying the plant will result in somewhere between 100 and 250 jobs, with "hopes for additional and substantial job creation from future operators." Sumitomo Rubber confirmed the purchase Tuesday morning.

“HF Tonawanda Industrial Park is a natural evolution for the former Sumitomo Rubber USA plant location," Hwa Fong CEO Alex Chiu said in a news release Tuesday. "We be

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