Cooper to Open European Technical Centre in Melksham

Cooper Tires has confirmed that its UK factory in Melksham, Wiltshire, will be the home for a new European Technical Centre (ETC) that will be the hub of the company’s European activities.

The ETC will be responsible for all elements of the design and development of products manufactured at Melksham, primarily high-performance passenger vehicle tyres in both Cooper and Avon brands.

Marcus Hancock, who currently works in the US for parent company, Cooper Tires, will return to his homeland to begin his new role as general manager of the Centre on February 5 at the UK arm’s headquarters.

Cooper Tire Europe’s managing director, Julian Baldwin, said: “This is an important investment for us, and proves that we are committed to producing quality European performance products for European roads. It is also a big boost to the British workforce in Melksham, who will once again spearhead the design and development process for the company.”

Tyre applications development manager, Paul Sketchley, and technical services manager, Gavin Edwards, will support Hancock.