Article on the South West news this morning that Cooper Tyres which also owns the Avon brand has shut down the factory in Melksham for one day & the work force are back in today 10th October for a 'management briefing'.
This does not bode well for the factory or the work force.
“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.”
Jonathan
PS: Wikipedia article on Cooper Tire and Rubber Company.
UPDATE: The work force at Melksham is to be reduced by 40% - 300 personnel will be made redundant. That is a big blow for a small town such as Melksham which relied on employment at the Cooper factory.
The 'light vehicle' tyre production is to be moved to Europe but the motorcycle & Motorsport production facility will be retained at the site for at least 5-10 years.
So no worries about Avon tyres for Sevens for the foreseeable future.
NB date.
Is there an official statement about the closure?
Thanks
Jonathan
Cooper Tires to close Melksham factory with 350 job losses | Wiltshire Times
Also on BBC Points West Friday PM.
Thanks
Jonathan
"No more Avon tyres 2023"
I wouldn't assume that they won't be available.
Jonathan
It will be interesting to see of there is a break or end of supply, and if the former, will there be a change in quality, cost and range
R500sv
'Never wrestle with pigs. You will both just get covered in mud, and the pig will love it'
I'm assuming there are plenty of other alternatives for current Caterham wheel sizes?
Tim.
Gulf Racing 310R
Next in line would be R888R. Almost as good, cheaper, always in stock but don't last quite as long (all IMO of course!)
S3 310R