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240 jobs to be axed as Dunlop Motorsport quits Birmingham

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Tyre giant Dunlop has confirmed it is closing its motorsport operations in Birmingham with the loss of 240 jobs. The work is being transfered to its other factories in Europe.

The group's Motorsport Europe division confirmed today that it would move the business from the Erdington site over the coming months, before the lease expires on September 1.

It follows the move by Jaguar Land Rover to buy the 11-acre site from landowner Canmoor Developments last year, to enable expansion of its neighbouring Castle Bromwich Jaguar factory.

Birmingham Council and Erdington MP Jack Dromey had urged Dunlop Motorsport to take another site in the city to preserve the local jobs, but the company today dashed those hopes.

Sanjay Khanna, managing director of Dunlop Brand Europe, said: "Our strong preference was to remain on our existing site, but this has not proved possible."

"For several months, we have also worked closely with local agencies and authorities to identify local Birmingham site alternatives. Unfortunately no other appropriate site was available locally which would have provided continuity of supply to our key customers.

"The company has begun informing and consulting with affected employees and union representatives of the Erdington site. 241 jobs will potentially be affected.

"We understand that this is a difficult time for our employees," Sanjay continued. "It is important our attention is now focused on supporting the employees who will be affected. We will work with our unions and employees throughout the consultation process to provide support."