The Dalston Road plant, which employs about 1,000 people, has stood idle since a crack was discovered in the site’s main boiler last Thursday.

Its sister plant in Burton has also been shut because it provides the raw materials for tyre production at Carlisle. A similar boiler there is also being checked.

The shutdown comes weeks after it was announced 60 people will be laid off later in the year because of falling orders.

A member of staff, who did not want to be named, told the News & Star that workers felt they were not being fully informed about what was going on.

The member of staff added: “People are worried this is a smokescreen for more job cuts.

“We were told last week that this was our last shift until further notice and nothing has been said since.”

Employees have been advised to contact their supervisors between 10am and 4pm tomorrow for the latest update.

The temporary shutdown will result in the lost production of thousands of tyres.
Engineers worked through last weekend to repair the boiler.

A Pirelli spokeswoman said: “Following inspection of the affected boilers, a thorough cleaning process is underway.

“If all aspects of this process are successful, then we will be able to give further clarification on when the plant will resume production.”

Although workers are still being paid, the temporary shutdown will result in the lost production of thousands of tyres.

It is understood that a crack was discovered in the main boiler on the site, and repair work could only be carried out once it had cooled down.

The factory usually operates around the clock for 365 days a year. (Tire Review/Akron)