After 78 years of manufacturing tyres in Kariega, Nelson Mandela Bay, the Goodyear factory will close. Restructuring that includes the closure of the company’s manufacturing arm in South Africa will take place – Section 189A retrenchment notices have been served.
According to Daily Maverick, the jobs of 900 workers are at risk and thousands of jobs from secondary industries are being threatened as Goodyear announced this week that it was closing its factory in Nelson Mandela Bay.
The factory, in Kariega (formerly Uitenhage), was opened in 1947. About 900 employees will lose their jobs, but fears are that this will have a larger secondary impact as other industries, such as catering, security and corporate social investment projects will be affected by the decision.
Company representatives would not answer questions on Thursday, but issued a general statement confirming that it was shutting down its manufacturing arm in South Africa.
“Goodyear is transforming its go-to-market strategy in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region to optimise its footprint and portfolio.
“As part of that transformation, Goodyear South Africa is launching a restructuring process in accordance with the provisions of the Labour Relations Act to address proposals regarding the closure of its manufacturing facility in South Africa and the realignment of certain sales, administration and general management functions. Goodyear South Africa will continue to maintain a sales and distribution, and Hi-Q retail presence in South Africa,” the statement read.
“This proposal is in no way a reflection of the commendable efforts or the years of dedication of our South Africa team, for which we are grateful,” the statement added.
The process will be facilitated by the CCMA.
“As a company, we recognise our responsibilities towards our employees and their families and are firmly committed to acting fairly and providing them with appropriate support,” the company’s statement continued.
Daily Maverick.
