Dunlop: 240 Jobs At Risk

3 February 2014, 18:56 | Updated: 30 March 2016, 13:50

There are calls to save 241 jobs under threat at Dunlop tyre manufacturers in Birmingham

The tyre making site in Castle Bromwich faces closure in September with the work transferred to 2 other plants in Germany and France. Dunlop Motorsport says they are now consulting with staff.

Sanjay Khanna, managing director of Dunlop Brand Europe, said: ''Our strong preference was to remain on our existing site, but this has not proved possible.
 
For several months, we have also worked closely with local agencies and authorities to identify local Birmingham site alternatives. Unfortunately no other appropriate site was available locally which would have provided continuity of supply to our key customers.
 
We understand that this is a difficult time for our employees. It is important our attention is now focused on supporting the employees who will be affected. We will work with our unions and employees throughout the consultation process to provide support.'

MP for Erdington Jack Dromey told us: ''I'm Shocked...Dunlop was made an offer by Birmingham City Council of a site three miles away the Aston Manufacturing Hub, they'd been offered financial assistance to move there.

But a decision made 3,600 miles away in Ohio now threatends Dunlop with closure throwing the best part of 300 highly skilles Birmingham workers on the dole, that cannot be right.

If they think that British workers are going to roll over and die they've got another thing coming''

Leader of Birmingham City Council, Sir Albert Bore said: "This is bitterly disappointing news, and my thoughts are with the staff and families affected by this decision...
 
...They have been offered several alternative sites including the Advanced Manufacturing Hub in Aston, The Hub at Witton and Prologis Park in Minworth - we've also considered any grant support that might be possible as part of our offer.
 
Additionally, I have personally written to Richard Kramer, Chairman, President and CEO of their parent firm Goodyear, in Ohio to state our case.

Given the UK's reputation as a centre of global motorsport excellence, it is a perplexing decision, and I would urge Dunlop to reconsider. We have sites ready for use, and it is not too late to rethink.
 
We will continue to state Birmingham's case and fully support Dunlop employees if we cannot get this decision reconsidered."