SPRINGFIELD -- Gov. Ryan today announced he will be joining with U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-IL), U.S. Sen. Peter Fitzgerald (R-IL), U.S. Rep. Ray LaHood (R-IL) and U.S. Rep. David Phelps (D-IL) in sending a letter to Bridgestone/ Firestone Chairman and CEO John Lampe regarding today's announcement that the company will close its Decatur plant.

"We are very concerned for the nearly 2000 employees of the plant and for the people of the Decatur community," Gov. Ryan said. "We hope that we can meet and see if there is an opportunity to convince Bridgestone/ Firestone to reconsider its decision. We stand ready to work with the company at the state and federal level."