Bekaert to close steel cord operations in Tennessee

Belgian wire product manufacturer Bekaert SA announced Wednesday that it will phase out its steel cord-making operations at its Dyersburg, Tennessee facility. The group said its decision was based on “continued reduction of domestic tire production in North America and the increasing competition from imports.” It added that production capacity from Dyersburg will be integrated into its other North American facilities. The Dyersburg plant closure will affect approximately 200 employees. Steel cord is used in a variety of tire and other rubber reinforcement applications.