Firestone plant closes in Noblesville

NOBLESVILLE, Ind. (WISH) - The Firestone plant in Noblesville shut it doors for good on Friday leaving 150 employees jobless.

Outside the Firestone plant, a sign thanks employees past and present for their years of dedication and commitment. Inside, machines that once hummed and churned out parts for the automotive industry now sit silent.

Firestone is moving its air spring manufacturing overseas to be more competitive in the world market.

Billy Guffey repaired machines at the plant over the past 9 years.

"Really sad, everyone saying their goodbyes. It's really depressing. We all had a pretty good life there. A lot of gentlemen that retired had a decent life. It's all over now," said Guffey.

It's not just the employees that are affected by the shutdown, but the city of Noblesville as well. This plant has employed Hoosiers for more than seven decades.

"It is a sad day. Firestone used to be for a long time, the largest employer here," said Noblesville Mayor John Ditslear.

Firestone announced its plans to shut down the plant last year. That gave employees time to think about their futures. Some who lost their jobs are taking classes to learn new skills. Others, like Boris Kostic, are thinking about it.

"At my age, I've got to start all over. At 56 so it's tough," said Kostic.

With the plant closed and his job gone, Kostic like many of his fellow workmates is unsure what the future holds.