Conway-based manufacturer Tokusen USA set to close, expected 250 job loss

[LiberalArkie]

CONWAY, Ark. – A Conway manufacturer with approximately 250 workers has announced it is shutting down.

Tokusen USA advised the Arkansas Division of Workforce Services that it would be closing in mid-to-late March. The company produced steel cord for tires. The company cited aluminum and steel tariffs coupled with “workforce instability and inflationary conditions” as the factors leading to the shut-down decision.

The company outlined the business environment that led to its closure decision.

Snip
The 25% tariff on the imported steel used to make the cords was put in place in March 2018 by President Donald Trump. In citing the tariff, company officials also noted the forthcoming closing of a New York tire plant and the 2023 closing of an Oklahoma tire plant as additional factors in the decision.

Snip

https://www.kark.com/news/business/conway-based-manufacturer-tokusen-usa-set-to-close-expected-250-job-loss/

[eppur_se_muova]

1. But trade wars are GOOD ! Tariffs are BRILLIANT ! nt

[PJMcK]

2. Good job, Trump

Loser.

[berniesandersmittens]

4. Im glad they mentioned the trump tarriffs

And off topic, but I'm glad my auto correct doesn't capitalize the word trump.

[RazorbackExpat]

5. Tokusen sounds like a Japanese company

I remember the problems that Sanyo had with its Arkansas plant in the '80s. I wonder if there's any connection?

[LiberalArkie]

6. Sanyo did pretty good in Arkansas, but everything it built ended up being old. Like CRT Tv's and Microwaves that

Last edited Sun Mar 23, 2025, 04:56 PM - Edit history (1)

ended up being way cheaper made in China.

[RazorbackExpat]

7. Sanyo had endless labor problems at its Forrest City plant,

as faithfully reported in the Arkansas Gazette in the 80s.

Forrest City, named after Nathan Bedford Forrest, the founder of the KKK. Probably the worst place for a Japanese plant to locate in Arkansas in the 80s. One reason why Governor Clinton's appeals for Japanese investment fell flat.