Tonawanda, October 15, 2025
Lee Rubber Industries has acquired the defunct Sumitomo Rubber plant in Tonawanda for $45 million, planning a mid-2026 launch of eco-friendly tire production. The acquisition is set to create 300 jobs, revitalizing the local economy and tapping into the regional demand for sustainable manufacturing and products including golf ball components.
Buffalo, NY – In a significant boost to the local economy, Taiwanese company Lee Rubber Industries has acquired the former Sumitomo Rubber plant in nearby Tonawanda for $45 million. The announcement came on October 14, 2025, with plans to resume tire production by mid-2026 and generate 300 new jobs. This development marks a revival for the industrial site, which has sat idle since its closure in 2023, and positions the facility to produce eco-friendly rubber products, including components for golf balls.
Revival Plans and Economic Impact
The acquisition signals a fresh start for the Tonawanda plant, focusing on sustainable manufacturing practices. Production will emphasize environmentally friendly rubber goods, aligning with growing demand for green materials in various industries. Among the planned outputs are specialized components used in golf balls, connecting the plant’s operations to Western New York’s strong sports culture, particularly its golfing community. Local officials have described the move as a vital step toward economic recovery, noting its potential to stabilize employment in the region.
The creation of 300 jobs is expected to benefit workers from the surrounding area, with union representatives already in discussions to prioritize rehiring former employees. This initiative could extend ripple effects to supporting sectors such as logistics, transportation, and raw material suppliers, fostering broader growth in Buffalo’s industrial ecosystem.
Background on the Plant and Regional Context
The Sumitomo Rubber plant in Tonawanda operated for decades before shutting down in 2023 amid global market shifts and operational challenges. Its closure left a gap in local manufacturing and contributed to job losses that affected hundreds of families. The site’s strategic location near major highways and proximity to Buffalo’s urban center made it an attractive target for international investors seeking to tap into North American markets.
Lee Rubber Industries, known for its expertise in rubber processing, brings a commitment to blending advanced techniques with local workforce strengths. The company’s approach emphasizes precision manufacturing while adapting to regional needs, ensuring the plant integrates smoothly into the community. This acquisition follows a trend of foreign investment in U.S. manufacturing hubs, particularly in areas recovering from plant closures.
Community Response and Future Outlook
Community leaders have voiced strong support for the deal, highlighting its role in preserving industrial heritage while introducing modern sustainability standards. Negotiations between the company and unions aim to address worker concerns, including training programs and wage structures, to facilitate a smooth transition. As preparations begin, the project is anticipated to stimulate ancillary businesses, from equipment providers to service contractors, injecting new vitality into the local economy.
Looking ahead, the mid-2026 production restart will not only revive tire manufacturing but also diversify output to include niche products like golf ball components. This ties into Buffalo’s sporting traditions, where golf remains a popular pastime. The overall impact could position Western New York as a key player in eco-conscious industrial production, attracting further investment and supporting long-term job stability.
The deal underscores the resilience of Buffalo’s industrial sector amid economic uncertainties. By repurposing an existing facility, Lee Rubber Industries avoids the high costs of new construction, allowing quicker operational rollout. Stakeholders anticipate that the emphasis on green technologies will meet regulatory standards and appeal to environmentally aware consumers, enhancing the region’s competitive edge.
As Buffalo navigates post-industrial recovery, this acquisition serves as a model for collaborative economic development. It demonstrates how targeted investments can transform challenges into opportunities, benefiting workers, businesses, and the community at large. With production timelines on track, the Tonawanda plant is poised to contribute meaningfully to the area’s prosperity for years to come.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the value of the acquisition of the former Sumitomo Rubber plant?
- The acquisition is valued at $45 million.
- When did Lee Rubber Industries announce the acquisition?
- Lee Rubber Industries announced the acquisition on October 14, 2025.
- What company acquired the plant?
- Taiwanese company Lee Rubber Industries acquired the plant.
- Where is the former Sumitomo Rubber plant located?
- The plant is located in Tonawanda, near Buffalo, NY.
- When is tire production expected to resume?
- Tire production is planned to resume by mid-2026.
- How many jobs will the revival create?
- The revival will create 300 jobs.
- What types of products will the plant focus on?
- The plant will focus on eco-friendly rubber goods, including components for golf balls.
- Since when has the plant been idle?
- The plant has been idle since Sumitomo’s closure in 2023.
- What is the connection to Western New York’s sports heritage?
- The production of golf ball components ties into Western New York’s sports heritage.
- Who is involved in negotiations for rehiring?
- Union representatives are negotiating rehiring priorities.
Key Features of the Plant Acquisition
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Acquiring Company | Taiwanese company Lee Rubber Industries |
| Deal Value | $45 million |
| Announcement Date | October 14, 2025 |
| Plant Location | Tonawanda, near Buffalo, NY |
| Production Restart | Mid-2026 |
| Jobs Created | 300 |
| Focus Areas | Eco-friendly rubber goods, including golf ball components |
| Idle Period | Since 2023 |
| Previous Owner | Sumitomo Rubber |
| Economic Ties | Boost to logistics and suppliers; links to sports heritage |
This chart summarizes the essential aspects of the acquisition, highlighting its economic and industrial significance.
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