FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Wednesday, December 17, 2008

Isakson, Chambliss Express Disappointment over Cooper Tire Closure

Vow Assistance to Employees

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., and U.S. Senator Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., expressed disappointment and concern over today’s announcement that Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. will close its Albany, Ga., manufacturing plant.  The plant employs 1,335 full-time workers and will shut down operations over the next 12 months.  The announcement follows a network capacity study of four of Cooper’s U.S.-based plants. 

“I am dismayed that after a cooperative effort between the Albany-Dougherty County, the Georgia Department of Economic Development and so many other entities, the Cooper Tire plant in Albany will close its doors,” said Isakson.  “This is a serious loss for the community and I will do everything in my power to aid the workers and families affected by this announcement.  My heart goes out to them, especially with this announcement coming during the holidays. I stand ready to aid the leadership of Dougherty County in any way I can, including with recruitment of new industry to help replace the jobs that will be lost over the next year.”

“This announcement is extremely disappointing for the Cooper Tire employees and their families, as well as the entire Albany community,” said Chambliss.  “My thoughts and prayers go out to those families who will be impacted by this decision, and I stand ready to assist in any way I can.”                                                                                           

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