A NORTH-EAST factory will become the leading car tyre producer for Goodyear Dunlop, after the firm announced the end of tyre production at its Wolverhampton plant.
The company revealed yesterday that it is to axe up to 420 jobs at the Midlands factory, with plans to transfer production of car and light truck tyres to other sites.
The company said it had been unable to make products at a competitive cost level in the UK, despite increased productivity.
While the news was a blow for workers in the Midlands, it leaves FP Tyres in Washington, Tyne and Wear, as Goodyear's top tyre manufacturer.
It places the Wearside plant in pole position to land any extra work as a result of the move, which could also bring more jobs to the region.
But Goodyear is also keen to boost productivity at the plant, which could mean a wide review of its role.
A company spokesman said: "We are looking for productivity improvements at Washington as well as at Wolverhampton.
"If there is business to be had from Wolverhampton, I am sure Washington would like to compete for it."
The company employs almost 4,000 workers in the UK and has another factory in Birmingham.
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