Hwa Fong Rubber has announced its intent to purchase the former Sumitomo Rubber USA manufacturing facility and property in Tonawanda in New York State, and unveiled plans to transform it into an active industrial park for various future uses across manufacturing, assembly, logistics and technology.
Initially named the HF Tonawanda Industrial Park, the site will become home to a dynamic mix of local, national and international company operations, while ensuring a robust reuse of the longstanding regional industrial site.
Prospective operators within the park will include automotive-related manufacturing in rubber products, wheel parts, transmissions, chassis and other components.
HFR intends to create an initial 100 to 250 local jobs at the site, and hopes for additional and substantial job creation from future operators.
“HF Tonawanda Industrial Park is a natural evolution for the former Sumitomo Rubber USA plant location, and we believe this property can successfully transform into a future hub of manufacturing activity and innovation that contributes to both the Western New York and New York State economies,” said Alex Chiu, chief executive officer, Hwa Fong Rubber (USA).
“We’re extremely excited to bring manufacturing back to the Tonawanda site and believe other operators across various industries will find this property attractive to their business expansion needs as well,” said Ziad Assaad, Tonawanda operations lead, Hwa Fong Rubber (USA).
“Our company would also like to share a note of appreciation to Invest Buffalo Niagara, Empire State Development and the Erie County site task force for their efforts in highlighting the importance of this location to the regional economy. We feel that this new use most certainly aligns with their initial evaluation regarding viable site reuse.”
The transition and purchase is set to close following shareholder approval later this year.
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