The American subsidiary of French tire maker Michelin said it will shut a US plant in Alabama, where it employs 1,000 people, due to an “unprecedented” slump in demand. Michelin North America said the closure of the plant in Opelika, Alabama, by October31 was part of a restructuring plan for its manufacturing operations “in response to the unprecedented drop in market demand.”

“The decision comes in the wake of the continuing economic crisis as consumers are driving fewer miles, purchasing fewer vehicles and delaying tire replacement purchases,” the company said in a statement.

The company said it would provide separation pay and other benefits to the laid-off workers.