Goodyear Dunlop Tyres Ltd has initiated an information and consultation process with Union Representatives regarding possible redundancies as a result of the removal of car and radial light truck tyre production at its plant in Wolverhampton, West Midlands.

Andrew Harper, Production Director at Wolverhampton said: "Following previous discussions, we advised our local and full-time union officials in February 2003 that cost competitiveness continued to be a major challenge in Wolverhampton, including the car and radial light truck business. We have been unable to make products at a competitive cost level in the UK despite increased productivity. This market is extremely competitive and is increasingly dominated by low cost suppliers from Eastern Europe.

”As a result, we have advised the UK Department of Trade and Industry and our Unions today that we will be ceasing production of car and radial light truck tyres in Wolverhampton and that up to 420 jobs could potentially be affected.