THREE hundred people are facing redundancy following an announcement that Cooper Tire Europe could cease tyre production for cars in Melksham.

Employees were told the news during an emergency meeting held in the car park of the centre this afternoon.

Over the next 10 months 300 jobs out of the 732 workforce could be cut if production services for car tyres at the site is stopped.

The company announced that Melksham would remain the home of Cooper Tire Europe’s headquarters, sales and marketing offices, Europe Technical Centre and materials business.

It is expected that production of motorsports and motorcycle tyres would also continue in Melksham.

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.

“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.

“It is important to underscore that if we ultimately cease light vehicle tyre production in Melksham, Cooper is not leaving the Melksham community. If redundancies occur, Cooper Tire Europe will still employ hundreds locally and continue to honour its existing obligations.”

The company is now carrying out a consultation into the possible closures.

Have you been affected by the announcement made today? Contact us on john.baker@newsquest.co.uk