Goodyear suspends operations at 2 Chinese facilities

AKRON — Goodyear has suspended operations at two facilities in China until at least Feb. 9 over concerns about the Wuhan coronavirus.

Goodyear said it suspended operations at its Chinese headquarters in Shanghai, as well as its tire plant in Pulandian, Liaonging Province, until at least Feb. 9, and said it will continue "to work with the Chinese government to determine the appropriate time to reopen these facilities."

Goodyear did not say how many employees are affected. Employment at the Pulandian factory is listed as 1,900. Goodyear also has a development center located on the grounds of the Pulandian factory.

Located at the company's tire plant in Pulandian, the center will expand its capabilities in the sector, the firm said, adding that it will enable Goodyear to increase the speed and efficiency of tire development.

Goodyear also has suspended travel to and from China except for "business-critical" trips.

"We have advised all associates worldwide to consider if their objectives for any near-term travel can instead be met through technology," the company said in a statement.

"We are actively encouraging our associates to follow CDC (Centers for Disease Control) guidelines for preventing the spread of respiratory viruses," the company said. "Our Goodyear associates located in the Asia-Pacific region are receiving specific local guidance as the situation evolves there."

According to a report, more than 500 deaths have been attributed to the virus since it was identified late last year.

The Chinese media reported Feb. 5 that a baby in Wuhan, the city where the virus apparently originated, was diagnosed with the coronavirus just 30 hours after being born.

The CDC reports that the novel coronavirus was first detected in Wuhan, and said many victims can be linked to a large seafood and animal market, suggesting animal-to-person spread. However, several who have tested positive for the disease have had no exposure to animal markets. The CDC said it remains unclear how the virus spreads among people.

Those who test positive for the virus show mild to severe respiratory illness with fever, cough and difficulty breathing. More than 17,000 cases have been reported in 23 countries.

"Our thoughts go out to all those affected by the coronavirus," Goodyear said. "The safety and well-being of our associates are Goodyear's highest considerations, and we are closely monitoring this dangerous health risk and taking actions to protect our team from exposure to it."

It is unclear how the shutdown would affect tire production.

"Given the dynamic nature of these circumstances, the duration of business disruption cannot be reasonably estimated at this time," Goodyear said.