Goodyear Dunlop prunes New Zealand fast fit network

Media reports from New Zealand indicate Goodyear Dunlop intends to close 24 fast fit outlets in the country – almost a third of its national ‘Beaurepaires’ commercial network. According to Marty Dinniss, a public relations consultant who acts as the tyre company’s spokesman in New Zealand, the closures will be focused on the commercial vehicle sector, and Beaurepaires' consumer and agricultural-focused businesses will not be affected. Up to 219 employees may lose their jobs, however Dinniss comments that the company is currently engaged in a consultancy period with workers and their representative union.

Although Beaurepaires describes itself on its New Zealand market website as a “growing organisation” that “frequently” offers new employment opportunities in both its retail and commercial vehicle operations, word of upcoming closures at Beaurepaires outlets first hit the news in New Zealand in early May, when it was reported that 12 outlets were being targeted in a restructuring process aimed at boosting cost competitiveness. As for the 24 centres now facing closure, their identity remains a secret; Goodyear Dunlop has chosen not to name the centres, as it says doing so may affect their potential sale value as a going concern. Dinniss shared that two potential buyers had already expressed interest in the outlets.

The company has also placed two retreading facilities on sale. These are expected to be shut down if no purchaser is found.