Local Business and Economic Development | News/Talk 960-AM & FM-107.3 WFIR

Layoffs next month and the possible closure of the Yokohama Tire plant in Salem – which could impact almost 400 jobs – not to mention whole families and businesses that support the plant. Salem City Manager Chris Dorsey says they were caught off guard a bit by today’s announcement. Dorsey says he has already spoken with the Roanoke Regional Partnership about what the future might hold for that 62-acre parcel now owned by Yokohama Tire along Electric Road.

REACTION FROM SALEM OFFICIALS

RENEE TURK – SALEM MAYOR

“For nearly six decades, the Yokohama plant and the people who work there have played a major role in shaping Salem. It feels like almost every family has a connection to the plant, and many employees are involved with their neighborhoods, community organizations and our schools. Unfortunately, manufacturing facilities across Virginia and the nation have encountered difficult challenges in recent years. While this news is painful, it’s not entirely unexpected, as companies like Yokohama have had to adapt their operations and staffing due to changing conditions.”

CHRIS DORSEY – CITY MANAGER

“I am truly saddened to learn that the Yokohama plant will be laying off so many employees. My heart goes out to them and their families who may be facing a lot of uncertainty in the months ahead. For generations, Yokohama has been part of the fabric of Salem, and so many of the people who worked there have also given back to our city. This won’t just be a financial impact on the City, but it is also a personal impact on the community and families who depend on these jobs.”

TOMMY MILLER – ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

“We’re disappointed to learn of today’s announcement from Yokohama regarding layoffs and the potential closure of the Salem facility. We are still learning more details and working to better understand the scope and timeline of the company’s decision. Our priority is supporting the employees and families who are impacted. In coordination with regional and state partners, we’re focused on making sure those affected can connect to available resources, workforce services and support programs during this uncertain time. We value Yokohama’s long-standing presence in Salem and remain committed to open communication with the company.”

YOKOHAMA HISTORY IN SALEM

(Previously) SALEM, Va. – Yokohama Tire announced Friday it will significantly reduce tire production at its Salem manufacturing plant beginning in March, a move that will result in the layoff of approximately 392 employees.

In a press release, the company also stated it is evaluating a permanent closure of the facility, which has been in operation since the 1960s.

The company cited the expiration of certain product lifecycles and reduced demand for other tires made at the Salem plant as the reason for the cutback. A statement noted the facility “is not well equipped to manufacture Yokohama’s required product mix or achieve the company’s manufacturing objectives in the future.”

Plant employees have been notified that all tire production could stop in July 2026, followed by a full plant closure on September 17, 2026. That date coincides with the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement with the United Steelworkers Union No. 1023.

Yokohama said it is in conversation with union representatives about the potential closure. All required notices to government stakeholders and affected employees under the federal WARN Act have been issued.

Salaried employees affected by the decision will receive layoff benefits under company policies, while hourly employees will receive benefits according to the terms of the union’s collective bargaining agreement.

The company, which acquired the plant from the Mohawk Rubber Company in 1989, said it does not expect any supply disruptions due to the reduced output in Salem.

Haven’t been to downtown Roanoke in a while to check out what’s new at your favorite place to dine, or want to try something new? Restaurant Week might just be the ticket to get some people out of the house in the dead of winter. 202 Social House, Caribbica Soul, Fortunato, Frankie Rowlands and around two dozen other downtown Restaurants – including Lew’s in the 5 Points area – have signed on for Restaurant Week 2026, which starts today and runs through Sunday, January 25th. WFIR’s Gene Marrano reports:

Two years of work by volunteers in Franklin County is coming to fruition on Sunday.  As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports that’s when Raising the Shade unveils a monument to black Civil War soldiers.

On Sunday, the day before Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the Franklin County NAACP and community volunteers are gathering to memorialize the men who fought to make his dream possible.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports on the unveiling of the monument to Black Civil War Soldiers.

Raising the Shade Franklin County 1850-1910

A new business association in Roanoke is inviting owners of businesses of all sizes in one of the city’s largest business districts to join. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

After years of information gathering organizers of the Melrose Business Association are ready to welcome business owners into the fold.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports.

The 12th annual Gauntlet business mentoring and competition program that connects entrepreneurs and small startups with business mentors and networking opportunities, returns on February 3. Applications are being accepted now on the Advancement Foundation website for the mostly-virtual program. The Foundation has also launched a smaller, one-on-one program for High Growth and more Tech-focused startups, The Quest. Foundation president Annette Patterson was live on WFIR this morning. Hear the complete conversation below; watch it on Facebook.

After closing in May of 2021, the legendary Homeplace Restaurant in Catawba could be up and running again by Easter weekend. Owner Dustin Henegar, tells WFIR News the process to buy the Homeplace started last year when he and his wife met with the previous owners, the Wingate Family, and submitted an offer. He adds family will continue to be the heart and soul of the restaurant. Henegar says the goal has always been to reopen the Homeplace like it never closed. Henegar and his wife want to give back to the community by creating employment opportunities for those with special needs. Clark Palmer WFIR News.

A rail transfer project in the Shenandoah Valley is getting support from the Virginia Museum of Transportation. Earlier this month the Rails WITH Trails project was advanced by Transportation Secretary Shep Miller with the deciding vote after a vote by the Commonwealth Transportation Board resulted in a 6-6 tie.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno has more.

The Virginia Museum of Transportation supports the Shenandoah Rail Corridor’s “Rails-WITH-Trails” project, which involves a 50-mile stretch of the Norfolk Southern “B-line” in the Shenandoah Valley. WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno reports.

A local publisher is preparing what he hopes will be a souvenir depicting beautiful art created by area artisans.  WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno explains.

A local publisher is planning to relaunch an arts publication next month.  As WFIR’s Denise Allen Membreno tells us it will feature local artists with beautiful photos of their work.

Who do you trust? How Virginians view fairness, helpfulness and trustworthiness is on the rebound, and that’s a good thing says a Roanoke College economist. Trust in Virginia rebounded to near pre-pandemic levels in 2025 says Dr Alice Kassens, a senior analyst for the Institute for Policy and opinion Research at Roanoke College. More from WFIR’s Gene Marrano:

A Botetourt County department has launched its annual reimbursement fund application to help improve and expand recreational activities across the county. WFIR’s Conner Arthur has details:

https://www.botetourtva.gov/475/Recreation-Incentive-Fund