State leaders how to survive Michelin tire plant closing

Michelin, one of the largest employers in Ardmore, displays a large "Welcome to Ardmore" sign in Ardmore.

 

Oklahoma legislators who held a hearing this week into Michelin’s decision to close its tire production plant in Ardmore were careful not to criticize the company.

Still, they also mourned the loss of the major company and the huge economic impact the closing will have on southern Oklahoma.

“The economic ripple effect that it will have throughout southern Oklahoma and throughout the state is hard to imagine,” said Ardmore State Sen. Jerry Alvord, repeating the oft-stated declaration made previously by leaders and officials in Ardmore and surrounding towns.

Members of the Senate Select Committee on Business Retention and Economic Development heard testimony from Michelin officials as well as Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell, representatives of the Ardmore Development Authority and the Oklahoma Department of Commerce.

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