500 to lose jobs at N.C. tire plant

[BR_Parkway]

About 500 hourly and salaried workers will lose their jobs in two waves of layoffs during the next several months at Continental Tire North America's plant in Charlotte.

"Manufacturing costs in our Charlotte facility are higher than any other Continental tire plant worldwide, and we have been very clear from the start that we cannot continue in our current situation," said Alan Hippe, chief executive of Continental Tire North America.

Following the cuts, the plant will employ 573 hourly and salaried employees.

Last month, Hippe said the company had not ruled out closing the Charlotte plant if the unions did not agree to accept lower wages.

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