Goodyear to extends shutdowns at EMEA, Americas plants

Akron, Ohio – Goodyear Tire & Rubber has extended the temporary closures at all of its tire and retreading plants across the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) and Americas "until further notice," the company announced 2 April.

Goodyear said it continues to monitor inventory levels "to keep essential community services moving" as the world continues to fight the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Akron-based tire maker had originally said that it would close its facilities at least until 3 April.

The European initiative includes 11 tire plants in France, Germany, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Poland and Slovenia, which collectively employ nearly 12,000 workers, according to data published in ERJ Global Tire Report.

Goodyear's warehouses, mounting and distribution centres remain open "to support our essential service customers."

The Goodyear mould plant in Luxembourg resumed to operate partially this week, the company said, in order to prepare "for a timely restart of production and to maintain inventory, where needed."

In addition, Goodyear said it is adjusting work schedules of employees in its research and development centres and sales offers "to reflect the level of activities."

In Americas, Goodyear is extending the temporary suspension of operations in the region, in light of the "rapid spread of Covid-19”.

The decision affects the company's plants in Brazil, Canada, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and the US.

Goodyear operates 13 tire plants throughout the Americas, employing roughly 17,000 workers.

The company's plant in Peru was closed two weeks ago.