Goodyear to end tyre manufacturing in Fulda and Fürstenwalde

Following the publication of the company’s Goodyear Forward global cost reduction and business transformation strategy, Goodyear EMEA is proposing the closure of its Fulda and Fürstenwalde car tyre factories in Germany. The plans specifically involve the closure of the Fulda plant by the end of the third quarter of 2025 and “a gradual phase-out of all tyre manufacturing activities in Fürstenwalde by the end of 2027”. However, the mixing department in Fürstenwalde will continue its operations, “supplying compounds to tyre plants across Europe”.

The news is set to impact 1750 jobs in total – 1050 at Fulda and 700 at Fürstenwalde. Goodyear representatives couldn’t immediately confirm how many positions will remain within the Fürstenwalde mixing business, however Goodyear currently employs approximately 930 associates in Fürstenwalde.

“It is a difficult but necessary choice we need to make to reduce our overcapacity and align our manufacturing footprint with demand levels. This step would allow us to improve our cost structure in EMEA and secure our competitiveness and profitability in the long run”, Goodyear representatives said in an official statement, adding:

“We are very conscious of our obligations towards all associates and how they and their families would be impacted. We are determined to act responsibly and fairly, and to provide support for everyone affected.”

Goodyear announced it would cut tyre production in Fulda by 50 per cent back in June, which raises the obvious question: why were the latest cuts still necessary? Tyres & Accessories understands that the rationale is that the business environment and wider market conditions haven’t got any better during the second half of the year – a point that similar cuts at peer manufacturers would seem to support.

Asked why Fulda and Fürstenwalde were selected from amongst Goodyear’s plants in EMEA and specifically in Germany, a Goodyear spokesperson explained:

“Our proposal is based on a thorough assessment of our manufacturing footprint announced in the beginning of the year review with a goal to reduce our consumer tire conversion cost per tyre by approximately $3 over the next five years (from a 2022 baseline). The manufacturing footprint review considered all plants in the EMEA manufacturing network to balance our capacity, capability and cost to meet market demands. The announcement we are making today is the result of this review”, adding:

“It is important to emphasize that the performance of both plants was not the determining factor. All our plants have been dedicated to achieving high levels of excellence, and we acknowledge the commitment and efforts of our workforce in both Fulda and Fürstenwalde plants.”

While tyre production will cease in the city of Fulda under the plans, the announcement “does not impact the Fulda brand which we intend to keep as a valued part of our multi-brand product portfolio”, the Goodyear statement concluded.