WASHINGTON, D.C. –U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today sent a letter to Larry Johnson, Vice President of North American Operations for Cooper Standard Automotive, urging the company to work with the United Steelworkers, the State of Ohio, and the City of Bowling Green to keep the Bowling Green facility open.

“The United Steelworkers (USW 1152L), the State of Ohio, and the City of Bowling Green are committed to helping the company find alternatives to a plant closing.  They have been loyal and devoted to Cooper Standard Automotive for many years, and have continuously met any challenge to save Ohio jobs.  I urge you to work closely with them in efforts to grow your business in Ohio,” Brown wrote in the letter. “The Ohio workforce is second to none in productivity and quality.  Ohio workers have proven time and time again their commitment to making high quality products quickly, efficiently, and affordably.  With this in mind, please renew your commitment to a workforce that has worked so diligently for the success of your company.” 

In early January, Cooper Standard announced its plans for a corporate review that could result in the closure of one of its manufacturing facilities.  Last week, Brown called Larry Johnson to encourage Cooper Standard to seek alternatives to closing the Bowling Green facility.    

The full text of the letter is below:

January 20, 2011

Larry Johnson

Vice President of North American Operations

Cooper Standard Automotive

39550 Orchard Hill Place
Novi, MI 48375

Dear Mr. Johnson:

Thank you for speaking with me last week regarding the future of the Bowling Green facility.  As we discussed, I strongly encourage Cooper Standard to seek alternatives to the closure of the Bowling Green plant.  The company has been a valued employer in Northwest Ohio for many years.  Closing the Bowling Green facility would not only prove to be detrimental for Ohio workers, but could also result in increased challenges for the company during a time when the automotive industry is showing encouraging signs of recovery. 

The United Steelworkers (USW 1152L), the State of Ohio, and the City of Bowling Green are committed to helping the company find alternatives to a plant closing.  They have been loyal and devoted to Cooper Standard Automotive for many years, and have continuously met any challenge to save Ohio jobs.  I urge you to work closely with them in efforts to grow your business in Ohio.  

The Ohio workforce is second to none in productivity and quality.  Ohio workers have proven time and time again their commitment to making high quality products quickly, efficiently, and affordably.  With this in mind, please renew your commitment to a workforce that has worked so diligently for the success of your company. 

Don’t hesitate to call on me if I can be of assistance.  I stand ready to help you save and grow jobs in Ohio.

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