Coronavirus 'Global Impact' Forces Toyo To Close Temporarily

BARTOW COUNTY, GEORGIA — Toyo Tire announced Monday that it will temporarily suspend operations at its plant in White due to the “global impact” of the coronavirus pandemic. The company anticipates resuming operations at the plant on April 19.

According to a press release also on Toyo’s website, the plant had already started “phase-down of production,” which the company expects to complete “in the next few days.”

The Daily Tribune News reports that the plant is closing due to how coronavirus is affecting Toyo’s business, not because of employees testing positive. Also, no information was given on how the shutdown might affect employees.

“To ensure the health and safety of our employees … Toyo Tire previously implemented preventative measures recommended by the CDC, including telecommuting, social distancing, and routine cleaning and sanitizing of facilities and equipment,” according to the company’s press release. “We will closely monitor this situation and take such measures as are appropriate.”