“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, 250 jobs back into our area.”

That’s how Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joseph Emminger reacted Tuesday, Oct. 14 to news that the former Sumitomo Rubber site at 10 Sheridan Drive is being sold to Hwa Fong Rubber, a company originating in Taiwan.

Hwa Fong Rubber intends to open manufacturing operations in early 2026, hiring up to 250 people to start. The company will use only a portion of the estimated two million square foot facility, leasing a large piece of it to other companies.

“They've indicated to us that they have several different partners that are looking to lease space from them and utilize

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