Jobs axe confirmed at tyre firm

ATYRE company has confirmed plans to cut 300 West jobs as it ends some production, with unions blaming cheap and inferior Chinese imports.

Cooper Tire & Rubber, pictured, said production of light vehicle tyres at its factory in Melksham, Wiltshire, would be phased out over 10 months. The Western Daily Press reported last year that Cooper was consulting on the proposed job cuts, which were confirmed yesterday.

Workers losing their jobs will be paid 150 per cent of statutory entitlement as well as other separation pay and be offered career advice.

About 400 workers will remain at the site to support functions including motorsports and motorcycle tyre production.

Unite regional officer Tony Hulbert said: “We are blaming the continued dumping of cheap inferior tyres from countries, such as China, for the jobs losses at Melksham.

“Unite has campaigned against this phenomenon and has repeatedly urged the government to create a level playing field for tyre manufacturers in the UK. These inferior tyre imports are not only bad for road safety, but bad for UK jobs and manufacturing – as has been proved by this announcement.

“What also sticks in the gullet is that Cooper Tires constructed a purpose-built factory in Serbia, where labour costs are much cheaper than the UK, which is now going to take on the work from Melksham.

“What adds insult to injury is that our members went over to Serbia to train the workers there in production techniques – and now they have lost their jobs to them.

“Today’s announcement, which was heralded in October, is still a cruel blow for the workforce and their families and will have a very big adverse impact on the Wiltshire economy.”

The company is the employer in Melksham.

“This has been a time of uncertainty for our colleagues in Melksham and we appreciate their professionalism and co-operation throughout the collective consultation process,” said Jaap van Wessum, general manager of Cooper Tire Europe.

“Now, with the collective consultation concluded and plans for the future confirmed, there is more certainty for the workforce, and we are helping those who will be leaving us over the coming months to do so in the best possible way for their future.

“Cooper Tire Europe will remain in Melksham and we will continue to implement plans designed to grow our business in a way that supports a long-term, sustainable future.”

Unite described the job losses as a “hammer blow” to the local economy when they were first proposed last October.

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