BFGoodrich's decision to close a 1.6 million-square-foot tire plant in Opelika with 1,000 jobs threatens to leave tread marks on one of the state's most dynamic local economies.

Now, Birmingham's EGS Commercial Real Estate Inc. is part of a team that includes economic development officials and Auburn University trying to find a solution that prevents a skid there.

 

"What impacts us more than anything is not necessarily having that building on the market, but we lost 1,000 jobs," said Al Cook, director of economic development for the city of Opelika. "That was probably 25 percent of our manufacturing work force. They were 25 percent of the entire budget for Auburn-Opelika United Way."

Michelin, owner of BFGoodrich, closed the tire plant in October, ending 46 years of production there. But officials in Lee County are not hanging their heads over the plant's demise; instead, they have sprung into action.

The same consulting firm that steered the $4.5 billion ThyssenKrupp steel plant to Mobile County has been working with Opelika officials to prepare for the loss of BFGoodrich, Cook said.

A task force has been formed with representatives from the tire company, labor groups, county and city officials, the business community and Auburn University.

"Everybody who can have an impact or is impacted by the closing is on board," Cook said.

Read the full story on The Birmingham New' s website.