How the news broke that 300 jobs may go at Melksham’s biggest employer

At a meeting of all staff at the Melksham works on 10th October, Cooper Tires made the announcement that the company is ‘exploring ceasing the light vehicle tyre production’ in Melksham, which would result in the loss of 300 jobs over a period of 10 months. 

The meeting was very short, with the employees leaving the building shortly after the 3pm start, all with letters in hand.

The letter said, “Unfortunately, the Melksham site is an older, smaller facility that does not offer economies of scale. Due to facility, age and location in the centre of town, it is the company’s current view, subject to consultation, that it is not economically feasible to modernise or expand the Melksham sit for light vehicle tyre production.”

This puts at risk approximately 212 rubber worker roles, 43 engineering roles and 45 salaried roles. 

Jaap van Wessum, general manager of Cooper Tire Europe said, “We know the prospect of making positions redundant is difficult for our colleagues and the local community to consider. Yet, for Cooper Tire Europe to thrive into the long-range future, remaining a large Melksham-based employer, and meeting our obligations, we must explore obtaining light vehicle tyres from locations other than Melksham.

“Pending consultation, if positions are made redundant, Cooper will remain committed to doing all we can to support those employees who may potentially be affected. We will be consulting with our recognised trade union, Unite, and other employee representatives, and have arranged additional support for affected colleagues, which will be available throughout this process. In addition, we will work closely with Wiltshire Council and the Department for Work and Pensions to provide the best possible support to our colleagues and community.

“It is essential for Cooper to be globally competitive in the tyre industry. To deliver on our strategic growth objectives, we must produce quality light vehicle tyres in high volumes and at a competitive cost. Unfortunately, the Melksham site is an older, smaller facility that does not offer economies of scale and it is the highest cost facility in the global Cooper network. Due to facility age and location in the centre of town, it is our current view, subject to consultation, that it is not economically feasible to modernise or expand there for light vehicle tyre production.

“It is important to underscore that if we ultimately cease light vehicle tyre production in Melksham, Cooper is not leaving the Melksham community. It is the home of Cooper Tire Europe’s headquarters, sales and marketing offices, Europe Technical Centre, and materials business. We plan to continue manufacturing specialised motorsports and motorcycle tyres at the Melksham plant. If redundancies occur, Cooper Tire Europe will still employ hundreds locally and continue to honour its existing obligations.”

For more information, visit www.CTEMelkshamInfo.co.uk

Deputy Mayor, Councillor Jon Hubbard commented, “We are desperately sad to learn of these potential job losses but are relieved that some of the worst-case scenarios that have been floated in the last few days have not come to pass.  Cooper Tires have assured us that they are committed to remaining in Melksham for the foreseeable future and we look forward to continuing to have a productive working relationship with them.”