By Michael Pineda
Ardmore’s industrial sector has taken another significant hit.
AAF Flanders announced it was closing its Ardmore facility Tuesday morning. The closure of the plant, which is located at 3500 Flanders Drive in Ardmore, will cost the city and surrounding area 120 jobs.
AAF Americas Chief Operating Officer Paul Sennett released a statement explaining the closure of the plant, which manufactured air filtration products.
“AAF International, a leading manufacturer of air filtration products, announced the permanent closure of their AAF | Flanders Ardmore, OK facility by Dec 2025. A total of 120 employees will be affected.
“This was not an easy decision, and we understand the impact it will have on our employees and the local community. Our first and immediate concern is for the welfare of our many loyal employees, and we remain extremely grateful for their dedication and contributions to AAF. We are committed to supporting them through this transition and hope some with key skills will transfer to our other facilities. We are also working closely with the local community to minimize the impact of these closures.
“This facility closure is part of a broader strategic realignment to optimize the company’s manufacturing footprint and enhance long-term profitability. AAF International will continue to invest heavily in automation and standardization across our other North American facilities that serve rapidly growing market sectors with our industry-leading products and solutions.”
The decision to close the plant came as a surprise for many. It comes as Michelin prepares to shut down its tire manufacturing operations. Ardmore Development Authority President & CEO Bill Murphy said the organization will work towards finding employment for those impacted.
“We are disappointed in AAF Flanders’ decision to cease operations in Ardmore,” Murphy said. “Our focus now is working with the company and our workforce partners to find opportunities for these employees over the next four months.”
Leading to the announcement to its workforce Tuesday morning, Flanders had requested officers from the Ardmore Police Department to be on site for support. City Manager Kevin Boatright echoed Murphy’s thoughts on providing support for impacted employees.
“We as a city are very sad to hear about the closure of Flanders,” he said. “We know they have been a great corporate partner in our community. We are hopeful that our community will reach out with us to find new employment for the citizens that are being displaced.”
Sen. Jerry Alvord said he was disappointed to see Ardmore lose another industrial partner. He said there appears to be an overall bigger picture in play that is driving this decision.
“Our hearts go out to those whose job has been impacted,” he said.
