By Alabama Public Radio
Huntsville, AL – The nation's largest tire manufacturer is closing its plant in Huntsville. Goodyear Tire and Rubber will shut down its Dunlop tire plant by December fifth. The decision will affect 11-hundred employees. The company says Huntsville workers will be given priority consideration for any jobs that open at the Goodyear plant in Gadsden. Workers who are not hired at other Goodyear operations and those who choose retirement will receive extra benefits as part of the closure. The decision did not come as a complete surprise. The United Steelworkers of America reached a new three year contract agreement with Goodyear last month. It allows the company to close the Huntsville plant, with has been Goodyear's most expensive operation.