First Quarter 2011-2012

Contact: Brandon Plotnick, Coordinator, Marketing & Communications

(910) 433-6766 ; bplotnick@fayettevillencchamber.org

Investment Value: $13,000,000

Job Retention: 3,000 +/-

During the first quarter of the 2011-2012 fiscal year, Goodyear Tire and Rubber Co., Inc. announced their retention investment of $13,000,000 for new equipment, retaining more than 3,000 local manufacturing jobs. Goodyear remains on the Top-Five Largest Employers (Public and Private) of Cumberland County, ranking #2 in the private industry sector, behind Wal-Mart Associates. Recently, it was announced that Billy Taylor, Plant Manager of the Goodyear Tire and Rubber manufacturing plant located on Ramsey Street, would be leaving his local Plant Manager position as he has accepted a promotion to headquarters. Mr. Taylor was a strong advocate for local industry, speaking eloquently and firmly on behalf of Goodyear, industry, and the community.