Goodyear dismisses reports of plan to sell Fürstenwalde tire plant

London – Goodyear has dismissed as “inaccurate” reports that it is considering the sale of its tire manufacturing operation in Fürstenwalde, Germany, which is slated for closure.

Production at the 750-employee tire unit is scheduled to finish by the end of 2027 under an EMEA rationalisation plan announced by the US-based group last November. (ERJ report)

However, reports circulating this week on German media channels cite comments by a senior local politician, suggesting that a sale might be on the cards if conditions, such as federal and state aid, were right.

In response to ERJ’s enquiry, Goodyear stated: “Reports suggesting a sale is being explored are inaccurate, and there is no ongoing consideration for such a transaction.

“As of now, the only proposal in consultation with the works council in Fürstenwalde is the discontinuation of tire production in that plant.”

In the 5 March statement, Goodyear explained: “We have made this choice based on a thorough assessment of our manufacturing footprint and we see no viable alternative to this proposal.”

Trade union IGBCE and other local groups are engaged in an ongoing campaign to save Goodyear's German tire operations in Fürstenwalde and at Fulda.