Bowling Green, Ohio — Automotive supplier Cooper Standard plans to close its Bowling Green manufacturing facility by the end of 2027, a move expected to impact approximately 175 employees in Wood County.
The company said the shutdown is part of a larger strategy to streamline manufacturing operations, improve efficiency, and reduce costs amid changing market conditions. Equipment and production currently handled at the Bowling Green plant are expected to be transferred to other Cooper Standard facilities.
Cooper Standard manufactures sealing systems, fluid handling systems, and other automotive components for transportation and industrial markets. The Michigan-based company operates in 20 countries and employs roughly 22,000 people worldwide, including contingent workers.
Company officials indicated they plan to work with local agencies and community partners to assist affected employees during the transition process. Questions remain about whether workers may be offered opportunities to transfer to other locations.
The closure comes despite the company recently reporting strong first-quarter 2026 sales results. Cooper Standard announced quarterly sales of more than $686 million and said it remains on pace to meet or exceed its financial goals for the year. However, the company also reported a quarterly net loss and ongoing restructuring expenses tied to operational changes.
This marks another major reduction for Cooper Standard in Bowling Green. In 2012, the company shut down a separate hose manufacturing operation in the city, affecting more than 200 workers after production was moved to other facilities.
As of Thursday, no public WARN notice connected to the Bowling Green closure had appeared on Ohio’s listing of mass layoffs and plant closings. Federal law generally requires certain employers to provide advance notice ahead of large-scale layoffs or closures.
Union leaders representing workers at the facility have expressed concern over the decision and say discussions with the company will continue as they seek solutions that could preserve jobs or support employees affected by the closure.
This report is part of the Stream 419 network, delivering local news, sports, radio, and media across Northwest Ohio. For more coverage, visit Stream419.com.
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