Michelin announces temporary layoff of 240 Ardmore

ARDMORE, Okla. ― The troubles facing the global economy have now hit home for employees at the Michelin Tire Plant in Ardmore. Michelin North America in Ardmore, one of the area's largest employers, announced it will lay off employees Thursday. Daniel Armbruster has more.

Michelin officials announced Thursday that approximately 240 production employees will be temporarily laid off from the Michelin Tire Plant.

Officials are blaming the move on a slow economy and low demand for passenger car and light truck tires.

This temporary layoff is scheduled to begin November 9th and we are told will last eight weeks.

Officials with the plant declined to speak on camera. However, First News spoke with Michelin Tire Company representative Lynne Sloviek by phone Thursday afternoon.

"I did speak with our plant manager today, David Brenner, and he really stresses his concern. He is saying that decisions to reduce our production levels are clearly in direct response to the economic downturn. He understands that this reduction is very difficult, but he believes that the temporary actions we're taking are going to lessen the impact on our employees and put us in a better position to respond when the economy improves," Sloveik said Thursday.

Those temporary actions include partial pay for these employees while they are out of work. These layoffs will take affect during the holiday season.