Dundee Michelin tyre factory closes with loss of 850 jobs

Michelin is to close its tyre factory in Dundee, with the loss of about 850 jobs, confirming that it would leave the city by 2020.

The company said the factory was “unsuitable” given current market conditions and it would not be financially viable to invest further.

The union Unite has said the closure would be a “hammer-blow” to the city.

The UK government has said it “stands ready” to do everything it can to assist.

Michelin said the Dundee site, which opened in 1971 and specialised in smaller tyres, has suffered because of a shift in the market towards low-cost products from Asia.

The company praised its Dundee employees dedication but said that, in spite of that and its own “continuous efforts” the plant could not be saved.

Support package

It said its priority now was to provide support for the workers who faced being put out of work.

Michelin said enhanced redundancy packages would be available, with early retirement measures for those at the end of their career.

It also promised “intensive support” for those seeking new jobs, relocation assistance, and skills retraining.

In a statement it said: “In accordance with UK legislation, Michelin will begin a consultation process with employees, employee representatives and the trade union on the closure project, and on social support measures in the next two weeks.”

Factory manager John Reid added: “I understand that these proposals will come as a huge blow to our employees and to the city of Dundee as a whole.

“It’s also a very personal blow for me. I have been part of Michelin Dundee for 26 years and I am very proud of the hard work and dedication shown by the team here.

“This factory has faced incredibly tough challenges before and we have come through thanks to the hard work and flexibility of our people and the union, and the backing of the Michelin Group.

“However, the market for the smaller tyres we make has changed dramatically and permanently, and the company has to address these structural changes.

Fight ‘not over’

The trade union representing many of the Dundee workers said it had not given up the fight to keep the factory open.

Unite’s Scottish secretary Pat Rafferty said: “Unite has been aware of the challenging market situation facing the Michelin Group.

“This has been primarily due to the cheap foreign imports from Asia and as a result falling demand for premium tyres in smaller dimensions, which the Dundee factory specialises in producing.

“This will be hammer-blow for Dundee.”

He added: “The workforce can be assured Unite will fight tooth and nail to save our factory, we will leave no stone unturned to keep this factory open.

“Unite will work day and night to ensure that all options remain on the table.”

Michelin is Dundee’s largest industrial employer, and was boosted three years ago when the firm announced a £50m investment in new machinery.

A UK government spokeswoman said: “This is a hugely difficult time for the Michelin workers and their families. The UK government is in touch with the Scottish government and other local partners, and stands ready to do everything it can to help.

“In particular we are reviewing how we invest the £150 million we are putting to the Tay Cities Deal, to make sure that the Deal can respond to this challenge.”