Cooper Standard shutting down second Ohio auto parts plant

US automotive supplier Cooper Standard is shuttering its second Ohio manufacturing facility in less than six months as part of a sweeping efficiency drive. The company confirmed it will close its Bowling Green, Ohio plant by the end of 2027, relocating production and equipment to existing Cooper Standard sites. The Bowling Green facility specializes in sealing systems and components for the automotive sector. The move will affect roughly 175 employees. This follows an earlier decision in January to shut the Lexington, Ohio plant, which impacted 228 workers. Cooper Standard stated the closures are part of a broader strategy to optimize plant utilization and cost structure amid what it describes as a dynamic market. The company pledged to provide transition support for all affected staff. The announcements were made in a 13 May statement and confirmed to European Rubber Journal by Cooper Standard representatives.