The last tyres came off the production line at Cooper Tires last week, in a poignant moment for staff and the town, as the factory closes on Wednesday 20th December. Formerly Avon Tyres, the site been producing tyres in the town for 112 years.
In October 2022, Cooper Tire & Rubber Company, Europe, announced plans to close the Melksham site saying it was no longer competitive, leaving 350 staff on notice of redundancy.
The factory has been a cornerstone of the Melksham community for generations with thousands of people working there and having family or friends employed there.
During the last shift, employee Alan Yates, who is a mould changer, ‘cured’ the final tyres, giving them their final shape. One of the last tyres made was for a vintage motorbike from the 1950s. Alan explained that he had carried on with the task while other staff went to sign their final contracts. “I said, I might as well keep the last few tyres going through and it just so happens, they didn’t get back until I was putting the last tyre in,” he explained. “It’s quite weird really, quite an historical moment.”
After working at the factory for nearly 19 years, Alan said he now plans to retire. “It feels quite sad to be winding down now,” he said. “Some of the lads have been here nearly 40 years. I have done a couple of different roles around here and I have really enjoyed my time, it’s been brilliant. It’s been a good bunch of people.
“I was here when they had the 100-year centenary, that was quite a big point with parties. I have also seen a lot of changes. What with the takeover of Goodyear and Cooper Tires that took it over from Avon, it’ll be interesting to see what happens to the site. I grew up in Melksham as a kid, I can remember the big fire here. I had relations that worked here. My brother worked here in the ‘70s, and uncles and aunts, it’s been a big employer.”
Another employee, Jordan Smith, who cured the last tyre in the racing department said the team gathered round for the moment when the last tyres came off the production line.
With the factory officially closing this month, some members of staff will continue working, helping to wind the factory down, until summer next year.
Discussions around what will happen with the site and how it will be re-developed have been ongoing. Local people have the opportunity to say how they would like to see the site redeveloped in the current consultation of the town and parish council’s Neighbourhood Plan, which will help re-shape Melksham’s future.
