U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-OH, has weighed in on Cooper Standard’s future in Bowling Green.
The senator has sent a letter to Larry Johnson, vice president of North American operations, at the Novi,
Mich.-based company, encouraging the company to retain its hose manufacturing plant on Van Camp Road.

Earlier this week, workers were told that the company was planning on closing the plant by the end of the
year. The work done there would likely be transferred to a plant in Mexico.
Company officials have insisted that the decision has not been made, though United Steelworkers officials
have said it’s a done deal.
In his letter, Brown urges the company "to seek alternatives to the closure of the Bowling Green
plant."
The union, city and state are all "committed to helping the company find alternatives to a plant
closing."
"They have been loyal and devoted to Cooper Standard Automotive for many years, and have
continuously met any challenge to save Ohio jobs," the senator wrote. "I urge you to work
closely with them in efforts to grow your business in Ohio."
Brown also touts the state’s workforce. "Ohio workers have proven time and time again their
commitment to making high quality products quickly, efficiently, and affordably."
The Van Camp Road plant employs about 200 workers.
The company also operates a plant on North Main Street that manufactures rubber seals and trim. That
plant is not affected by the proposed closure.