Issues at Avon..?

I live within sight of the factory & it is closing down by Christmas next year.  About a year or so ago they were taken over by Goodyear but what is happening to Avon production? The workers I have spoken to know nothing about moving production to another plant in the UK so maybe its the end of "Proper" Avon tyres.

My grandfather worked at Melksham for decades, so this is sad to hear.

Seems Avon tyres are moving to France and back into the EU single market.

https://www.european-rubber-journal.com/article/2092258/goodyear-spells-out-financial-details-of-european-motorcycle-tire-consolidation-plans  

Who knew leaving the EU would have consequences?

I always support British industry and Avon tyres for all my Norton's and my MG.

But this move is political and Avon won't be the last name to eventually disappear along with the jobs.

I'd like to say so much more but the censor always wins, so will leave it there.

I suggest you do your own research, but remember, you will not find the truth on BBC, Guardian (BBC in print) Fact check etc. Fake news. Naff all to do with Brexit.......

The factory in Melksham is very old & outdated & locals have been expecting closure for years with redundancies & downsizing being a fairly regular occurance over the last few years.

.. this move is political and Avon won't be the last name to eventually disappear along with the jobs.

I'd like to say so much more but the censor always wins, so will leave it there.

Don't keep it a secret Neil, If you know another reason why a major manufacturer would close a factory in the UK, aside from to consolidate its European investments and operations inside the Single Market and Customs Union, do share it with us.

Verifiable facts of course, from reliable sources, no references to Cabals of Satanic Paedophiles.

Sorry Stan,

I'm not falling for it, or I will have the censor mob after me.  Do your own independent research.

I want to be around to discuss Norton issues. The politics will become clear to the awake in due course.

Good luck with your research while the lights are on. 

As Neil says Avon won't be the last to fail, nor are they the first. Tyre manufacturing is a very competitive business with high labour (especially in UK & EU) and energy costs. Michelin (my former employer) back in the seventies had six manufacturing sites in the UK. Five of those have closed completely leaving just the original site in Stoke on Trent with a retread operation only. Factors that influenced the decision to close a site included the high operating costs already mentioned and, as Robert has said, a failure to invest in new plant that would improve productivity. In addition, the big brands have of course been building new facilities in low cost countries such as China and India. Initially these were to supply local Asian markets but it was inevitable that they would eventually supply our home markets at a lower price. Most of the site closures referred to above happened pre Brexit. The economics of running a tyre business in the UK will not have improved since then.

..doesn't look like a modern factory but of course the plant may be...It seems to have gained capacity due to truck tyres being moved to a low cost location.

https://www.tyrepress.com/2022/10/goodyear-investing-16-5-million-euros-in-montlucon-motorcycle-tyre-production/

They do at least seem to have motorcycle tyre experience and I don't recall problems with the French-produced Dunlop TT100s in the 1980s.

Imagine if future Avons only have CE approval and they decide not to seek UKCA conformity for a small and unimportant market... 

Then there is not a lot to worry about when it comes to riding. My bikes are currently on Japanese,  German,  Brazilian and British tyres and all work well. What is of bigger concern to me is the (potential) loss of their technical section who have generally been very helpful when I have asked questions to them.

Hopefully, this group will still remain and retain their ability to answer properly, and not degrade to typical 'call centre' style answers that appear to come from a generic /pre sorted list.

You just about nailed it, Ian.

One should also remember the job losses, as if we haven't seen enough of that and another name deleted from British industry.  Workers dependent on the State?

I remember driving past Fort Dunlop in Birmingham in the 70's. Tyres now made in Kobe, Japan....

Just the latest in a long line of collapses. I'll leave it there....You know why. 

God save Avon,