Goodyear Dunlop UK Announces Intention To Restructure

Goodyear Dunlop UK Limited has announced that it has initiated an information and consultation process with union representatives and public authorities regarding restructuring of its UK Sales Operations based at TyreFort in Erdington, Birmingham.Andreas Niegsch, General Manager, commented; “We need to restructure our sales operations in order to become a more flexible, dynamic and responsive organisation in a highly competitive marketplace. Since the alliance between Goodyear and Dunlop was announced in 1999, we have undertaken significant restructuring of our UK manufacturing and logistics operations as we integrated the companies.

The sales and marketing departments for each company remained as separate business units during this period.”As we move forward, we need to take advantage of the synergies that we have within our operation. Goodyear and Dunlop are two incredibly strong brands, and we are committed to investing in their future and building their market share in the UK.

However, to do this we need to make it easier for our trade customers to deal with us. We will be strengthening our sales and marketing departments as part of our new structure. This is essential to improve our customer service and response as we aim to reconfirm our position as the leading, active player in the UK tyre market.

” added Andreas. “This restructuring means that there will be job losses in our UK head office in Birmingham and in field locations.”Goodyear Dunlop has reported its restructuring plans to the Department of Trade and Industry and the Unions on 11th April 2003.

Up to 116 associates would potentially be affected at TyreFort, and around 100 in separate field operations. The consultation process is scheduled to run for 90 days. Goodyear Dunlop employs over 4,000 associates in its UK operations.