Tonawanda, N.Y. (WBEN) - What had been something of an economic development concern - if not a true headache - has turned into a new opportunity in the Town of Tonawanda.
Hwa Fong Rubber announced on Tuesday it has agreed to purchase and reactivate the closed former Sumitomo Rubber USA plant along Sheridan Drive. The plant suddenly closed last year November, leaving 1,500 workers without a job.
The deal, which is expected to close by year-end, has Erie County Executive Mark Poloncarz smiling with a big sense of relief.
"I didn't want this to be another Bethlehem Steel where the property just sat there," Poloncarz said with WBEN.
Terms were not disclosed but in prepared statements from both Hwa Fong and Sumitomo, the deal was confirmed.
The Taiwan-based Hwa Fong Rubber - a major supplier to the automotive industry - will use the sprawling, 2 million-square-foot Sheridan Drive plant to make various automotive parts. The company has pledged to employ between 150 and 200 people initially, and may have as many as 500 workers on site within the next few years.
"Obviously, I'd like to see more workers hired, but this is a good start," Poloncarz said.
Poloncarz says he hopes to talk with Hwa Fong representatives soon to get more details including how much of the plant the company will use and, if, any of it will be put out for sub-lease.
Local leaders including Poloncarz, Town of Tonawanda Supervisor Joseph Emminger, Empire State Development, the Erie County Industrial Development Agency and Invest Buffalo Niagara took a very hands-on approach to helping Sumitomo find a new buyer for the complex.
That it took less than 11 months was very gratifying, Poloncarz said.
"It really speaks volumes," Poloncarz said.