MOUNTAIN CITY, Tenn. (WOKI / WVLT) – Ball bearing manufacturer Tsubaki Nakashima has announced plans to close its Mountain City facility, marking the company’s second East Tennessee plant closure announcement this year.
According to a WARN Notice filed with the state, the Johnson County plant will close effective Dec. 17, 2027, affecting 73 employees.
The announcement follows the company’s earlier decision to close its manufacturing facility in Erwin, which was announced in May.
In documents filed with the state, Tsubaki Nakashima said the closure is part of an effort to “implement streamlining measures.” The company indicated that production currently handled at facilities in Mountain City, Poland and Slovakia will be transferred to manufacturing plants in India.
Tsubaki Nakashima manufactures steel ball bearings and tapered roller bearings used in a variety of industrial and automotive applications.
While the affected employees are not represented by a collective bargaining agreement, state officials said the Northeast Workforce Development Area Rapid Response Team has been notified and will work with the company and employees to provide assistance and employment transition services.
WARN notices are required when major employers plan significant layoffs or plant closures, providing advance notice to workers and state agencies.
The closure represents another manufacturing job loss for East Tennessee and comes months after the company revealed plans to cease operations at its Erwin facility.
Company officials have not released additional details regarding the transfer timeline or the future of the Mountain City property.
