Goodyear investing in motorcycle tire capacity at French plant

Montlucons, France — Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has announced plans to restructure production operations at its site in Montluçon, in central France, to convert the facility to a “centre of excellence” with a specialised role for motorcycle tires.

In a statement 19 Oct, the US tire maker said it planned to invest €16.5 million at the site to “modernise and transform” the plant to produce ‘high-value motorcycle tires’.

In addition, the tire maker said it intended to reallocate light truck tire production from the site to other existing manufacturing facilities in within its Europe, Middle East and Africa operations.

The announcement follows a decision last week to close Cooper Tire’s motorcycle tire production plant in Melksham, UK by the end of next year.

Goodyear said it did not anticipate any permanent staff reduction in the French site as a result of the restructuring plan.

“Our intent is to provide a training programme to all associates who would be redeployed to an equivalent or similar position,” it said.

The proposal is subject to consultation with relevant employee representative bodies.

Subject to consultation, Goodyear expects the project to be completed by the beginning of 2024.

“Montlucon will become the company’s European reference in a high-value segment driven by strong demand,” said Pierre-Jean Eraud, president of Goodyear France.

“This investment project confirms Goodyear's commitment to remain established in France by investing in the modernisation of its sites in Amiens, Riom and now in Montluçon,” he added.

Goodyear manufactures Dunlop-branded bike tires at the Montlucon facility.