The last ever tyre has been made by the Michelin factory in Dundee, bringing 50-years of production to an end.
Bosses have been forced to shut the plant early as Covid-19 takes hold across Scotland.
The Baldovie factory was due to close for good in June, with a pause in production until April 13, but “growing challenges” caused by the pandemic mean that resuming production is “unviable and unwise”.
Factory manager John Reid said: “Our priority remains the safety of our workforce. This is an unexpected end to tyre production at our factory, but we believe this is the best decision for our employees and their families.”
In November 2018, 850 Michelin staff were told that tyre manufacturing at the huge complex would cease in 2020.
Since then over 500 staff have found other work while plans are being developed to convert the site into a hub for sustainable mobility and low carbon energy.
Reacting to the news, Shona Robison, MSP for Dundee City East, said: “The news that Michelin will stop production is not unexpected given the current Covid-19 challenges, however it is will still be a sad time for the remaining employees and the end of an era for the city.”
Bob MacGregor, Unite regional industrial officer, added: “We want to recognise that Michelin has acted as a responsible employer throughout the Covid-19 pandemic and has agreed to pay the workers their full wages up until the summer.
“Unite continues to work with the company to find a long-term future through the repurposing of the plant.
“As one chapter comes to an end, we hope that another one will begin and hundreds of jobs can be retained on site.”
