Goodyear closing South Africa tire production plant

Akron, Ohio – Goodyear has announced plans to close its tire manufacturing facility in Kariega, South Africa, as part of a wider transformation of its Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) operations.

In a 5 June statement, the company said it is launching a restructuring process which includes a realignment of certain sales, administration and general management (SAG) functions.

The move, it said, is intended to 'transform Goodyear's go-to-market strategy in the EMEA region and to optimise its footprint and portfolio.'

Despite the planned facility closure, Goodyear said it would will continue to operate its sales, distribution and HiQ retail network in the country.

Goodyear said it would engage in the process with “transparency and fairness,” and is committed to ensuring that the “dignity and interests of all those potentially impacted” are safeguarded.

Goodyear produces consumer and off-road tires at the South African plant, which has a nameplate capacity of 10,000 units per day.

The Akron, Ohio–based tire maker is currently undergoing a major transformation process - Goodyear Forward - with the aim to save over $1.5 billion (€1.37 billion) by end of 2025. (ERJ report)