Discussions between the management and the unions for a job maintenance plan are expected to start in December, but Robert Fornieri of the LCGB does not understand the reason behind the great excitement. The trade unionist said he regrets the delocalisation, but understands the decision. A decision was taken to make the general working places around Site Luxembourg more secure.
The production concerned is for a niche product: tyres for luxury cars, produced in limited quantities. The Colmar-Berg production site of the Goodyear tyres, also known as the Innovation Centre, houses 1,000 engineers, scientists and technicians of around 30 nationalities. It is important that the production of prototypes for the European and Asian market remains in Luxembourg.
Production continues in Colmar, down by the Atert river, where in 1951, the first tyre branded "Made in Luxembourg" was created. However, the specialisation of the factory shifted towards lorry tyres, including those for heavy machinery.
Right next to the assembly centre, the casting moulds for new tyre production are created. It is one of the mould plants that supplies factories around Europe.
This includes the new factory in Dudelange, where around 80 people will work to produce exclusive car tyres. Employees affected by the relocation could be transferred here.
It must be noted that this reorganisation has no direct links to the coronavirus crisis and its subsequent economic effects.
Currently, Goodyear is the second largest employer in the national industrial sector with 3,400 employees, behind ArcelorMittal.
