Cooper Tire to cut output at UK plant

ERJ staff report (DS)

Melksham UK -- Cooper Tire & Rubber Company is to re-align its tyre production in the UK, with the loss of around one fifth of the company's workforce. The company currently employs 900 at the Melksham site. However, a company spokesman said, "until Cooper Tires has had a full

consultation and evaluation it would be wrong to give specific numbers

on how many people will be affected."

Company officials are informing staff today and responding to questions, but the company said that some tyre manufacture will transfer to the United States and more will transfer to Asia. The company said, "It is not yet known which products will be affected but Cooper will communicate further

information on this in due course."

Motorcycle and motorsport products are not affected by the changes and will continue to be manufactured in Melksham, said the company.

Roy Armes, chairman, president and chief executive officer, said in a statement, “The recent unprecedented increases in raw material and labour costs, and longer-term fundamental changes in the global economy were critical factors in our decision-making. This transition is seen as an important step in mitigating the effects of the current economic conditions on Cooper Tires and its customers.”