240 jobs axed as Dunlop Motorsport exits Birmingham

Posted on 4 Feb 2014 by The Manufacturer

Dunlop Motorsport has announced plans to quit its Birmingham Motorsport operations, resulting in a loss of 240 jobs.

The group’s Motorsport Europe division confirmed that it is to move the business from the Erdington site over the coming months up until the expiry of the lease in September.

It is to move operations to two sites across Europe in Germany and France, after hopes of moving to another site in the city in order to save jobs were dashed.

The company has begun informing and consulting with affected employees and union representatives of the Erdington site.

Sanjay Khanna, managing director of  Dunlop Brand Europe, said: “Our strong preference was to remain on our existing site, but this has not proved possible.”

“For several months, we have also worked closely with local agencies and authorities to identify local Birmingham site alternatives. Unfortunately no other appropriate site was available locally which would have provided continuity of supply to our key customers.

“The company has begun informing and consulting with affected employees and union representatives of the Erdington site. 241 jobs will potentially be affected.

“We understand that this is a difficult time for our employees,” Sanjay continued. “It is important our attention is now focused on supporting the employees who will be affected. We will work with our unions and employees throughout the consultation process to provide support.”