Goodyear, a tyre manufacturer with an "Innovation Centres" in Colmar-Berg in Luxembourg, today announced its intention to temporarily close its European tyre and retread plants in phases by the end of this week, until at the earliest 3 April 2020, and until further notice.

Goodyear has taken this decision in response to the rapid spread of the coronavirus pandemic and thus to better protect its employees and respond to the sudden decline in market demand.

The temporary closures will affect the company’s plants in Luxembourg, France, Germany, the Netherlands and Slovenia, as well as the Dębica plant in Poland.

In order to maintain customer service, warehouses will remain operational on a reduced staffing schedule, with strong social distancing practices in place to protect the health and wellbeing of Goodyear employees and business partners.

The company assured that these temporary measures will be implemented in full agreement with local social partners and in a way to allow prompt production startup when public health and market conditions improve. 

Goodyear has also implemented smart working and social distancing measures at its offices and laboratories across Europe to do its part as a global company to help slow the pandemic. The manufacturer will continue to closely monitor and manage inventory levels and supply of raw materials.

Goodyear stated that, at this point, it does not expect any interruption to customer service.