Goodyear 'to close down two German tire factories'

Frankfurt, Germany – Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has announced a rationalisation plans to fully close its German tire plants in Fulda by 2025 and Fürstenwalde by 2027 to reduce its production-cost-per-tire in EMEA.

Announced 16 Nov, the rationalisation of Goodyear's Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) region replaces a plan announced 31 May to halve production at Fulda with the loss of 550 jobs.

Under its latest proposed plan, Goodyear would cut around 1,750 jobs at Fulda and Fürstenwalde, consisting of 1,500 associates and 250 contracted and temporary positions.

The US group said it intends to continue operating its mixing centre in Fürstenwalde.

Goodyear expects the closures to cost between $575 million and $600 million by 2025, against annual savings in EMEA of by-yearend: $60 million, 2025; $100 million, 2026; and $120 million, 2027.

According to trade union IGBCE, the closure in Furstenwalde would affect 750 of the total 930 employees at the site.

Furthermore, it confirmed, Goodyear had informed employees at its Fulda tire plant that the facility was now scheduled for complete closure by 2025.

According to the trade union, Goodyear has cited cheap imports from Asia and high personnel and energy costs as the reasons for its latest decision.

IGBCE claimed that Goodyear had done “too little” to maintain the locations and ensure secure prospects for the German tire manufacturing operations.

The union has promised to “fight for every single job” at Goodyear, and has organised a day of action for 24 Nov.