Brexit vote casts a shadow over Michelin

Sir, – I have been employed at Michelin Dundee for 34 years.

We knew there would be reduced production and job losses next year, but closure came as a shock, especially with the level of investment we have seen on site supported by government grants over recent years.

There is no doubt that the market for the size of tyres made in Dundee has collapsed. This is obvious to all employees, due to the changes we have seen recently on the shop floor.

But we have been told the decision was nothing to do with Brexit. Really?

Many UK-based car manufacturers have clearly stated that No-Deal Brexit, with hold ups at borders and ports, will have severe effects on their supply chain.

Why should Michelin Dundee be any different?

Dundee is tyre assembly plant. All the raw materials are imported into the UK, assembled in Dundee, then mostly exported.

Dundee has a tyre factory owned by a French company, on an island nation which voted that it does not want to be in the EU. To state that Brexit played no part in the closure decision is, at best hard to believe.

The Michelin Task Force is to be lauded for trying to keep some jobs, whatever they may be, on the site, and I wish them well.

Drew Morris. Lawside Terrace, Dundee.

Finance Minister Derek Mackay hopes Michelin can be saved.