On July 15, Pirelli issued a statement saying it had decided against building a new plant in the area as a result of unfavourable economic, automotive industry and tyre market conditions in the past 12 months. The company further announced it would instead restructure the current factory, opened in 1924, in order to retain its presence in Spain.

This restructuring was to take the form of reducing production capacity and staffing at Manresa by 30% in late 2008, and in future focusing upon higher added value products. At present the factory produces around 42,000 tonnes of passenger car and 4×4 tyres each year.

At the end of the July 21 meeting, Tronchetti Provera said that the factory would remain open due to the “strong links” established in the region, and indicated the company and the Spanish regional government have agreed to further talks “to explore innovative new ways of working together.” (Tyres & Accessories/Staffordshire, U.K.)