Goodyear South Africa’s manufacturing presence in the Eastern Cape is set to end after nearly eight decades of operations. The tire manufacturing giant announced the planned closure of its Kariega (formerly Uitenhage) plant, marking a significant shift in the company’s regional operations and impacting hundreds of local workers.

Impact on South African Operations

The closure of Goodyear’s Kariega facility, scheduled for late 2025, will affect approximately 900 employees across various departments. This decision forms part of the company’s broader strategy to optimize its footprint across the Europe, Middle East, and Africa (EMEA) region.

Key Developments

• Manufacturing operations will cease by December 2025
• The facility has been operational for 78 years
• Support measures will be implemented for affected employees
• Restructuring includes sales and administrative functions

Future Strategic Direction

Goodyear South Africa’s transformation extends beyond manufacturing. The company plans to realign its sales, administration, and general management functions to better serve the local market while maintaining its commercial presence in the region.

Market Implications

Despite the plant closure, Goodyear remains committed to serving South African customers. The restructuring aims to enhance operational efficiency while maintaining product availability through optimized distribution channels.

Employee Support Measures

As part of the closure process, Goodyear South Africa has pledged to provide comprehensive support to affected employees. This includes potential redeployment opportunities and assistance programs during the transition period.

The closure of the Kariega plant represents a significant milestone in Goodyear’s South African history, reflecting broader changes in the global tire manufacturing landscape and the company’s strategic focus on operational optimization.