The manufacturer will invite its 1,000 employees at the site to apply for voluntary redundancy throughout May. The statement cites the reduction of costs necessary to remain competitive within its markets as the reason for the cuts.

“Due to the continued economic challenges, Cooper announces that it will reduce its workforce at its U.K. plant in Melksham, Wiltshire,” the statement read. “The company is aiming to reduce its workforce by between 30 and 50 jobs out of the 1,000 currently employed at Melksham, with most of the job losses being in the engineering and rubber-working departments.

“Cooper Tire Europe will be inviting employees to apply for voluntary redundancy in May. These are difficult decisions but the Company must continue to reduce its costs in the current economic environment in order to remain competitive for our markets.” (Tyres & Accessories/Staffordshire, U.K.)