The American tire manufacturer will convert the Montluçon site into a “center of excellence” for bicycle tires
Montluçons, France – Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. has announced plans to restructure production operations at its Montluçon site in central France to convert the plant into a “centre of excellence” with a specialist role for motorcycle tires.
In an October 19 statement, the US tire maker said it planned to invest 16.5 million euros at the site to “upgrade and transform” the plant to produce “high-end motorcycle tires. value”.
Additionally, the tire maker said it intends to reallocate light truck tire production from the site to other existing manufacturing facilities within its operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. .
The announcement follows last week’s decision to close Cooper Tire’s motorcycle tire production plant in Melksham, UK, by the end of next year.
Goodyear said it does not anticipate any reduction in permanent staff at the French site following the restructuring plan.
“Our intention is to provide a training program for all associates who would be redeployed to an equivalent or similar position,” he said.
The proposal is subject to consultation with the employee representative bodies concerned.
Subject to consultation, Goodyear expects the project to be completed by early 2024.
“Montluçon will become the company’s European benchmark in a high value-added segment driven by strong demand,” said Pierre-Jean Eraud, President of Goodyear France.
“This investment project confirms Goodyear’s desire to remain established in France by investing in the modernization of its sites in Amiens, Riom and now Montluçon,” he added.
Goodyear manufactures Dunlop brand bicycle tires at the Montluçon factory.