Workers based in Goodyear’s soon-to-be-closed Wolverhampton plant were offered new jobs - in Mexico.
Employees were invited to apply for jobs in HR, production and quality control at the company’s new plant in San Luis Potosi. The proposal to 330 employees came in June last year after it was announced that production at the site would cease after nearly 90 years.
However, it emerged yesterday that no one has taken up the offer to move across the Atlantic.
Cyril Barrett, Chairman of the Goodyear branch of Unite, says: “It was unrealistic for anybody to move to Mexico.
“It would be a total change of culture and lifestyle for people coming from Wolverhampton to go there, so it doesn’t surprise me that no one took up the offer.
“People feel like they’ve been part of the family at Goodyear for many years, and now that it’s coming to an end it’s very emotional.”
In a statement to the BBC, Goodyear said: “Over the last 18 months we have worked closely with our associates and the trade unions to help those affected by the closure of the Wolverhampton plant.
“Of those seeking further employment, the majority have secured positions around the local area.”
The company added: “We are very grateful to our associates for their support and professionalism during this difficult time.”
Production will finish at the site on 20 December.
