MELKSHAM, England (Aug. 24, 2012)—Cooper Tire Europe Ltd. intends to lay off about 50 workers at its plant in Melksham, citing slow demand for tires.
The layoffs are expected to occur at the end of September. Cooper said it hopes to achieve staffing reduction through voluntary separation and early retirement “where possible.”
The company has started consultations with employee representatives through the Works Council.
Cooper employs 473 at the plant it acquired from Avon Rubber P.L.C. in 1997. It makes car, light truck, motorcycle and racing tires and tread rubber at the 133-year-old factory.
In a statement, Cooper attributed the move to “continuing difficult market conditions in Europe.”