Star comment: Goodyear’s legacy will never fade

It’s the end of an era and the end of an enduring love affair between Wolverhampton and Goodyear.

For 90 years, the company has been a fabric of life in the city.

Generations of workers – many from the same families – have worked at the iconic plant in Bushbury Lane.

Yesterday, in very emotional circumstances, the factory gates closed for the last time. It marked a sad occasion for everyone connected to the firm.

For nearly a century, Goodyear has been synonymous with the city of Wolverhampton.

Its name has even graced the old gold shirts of Wolverhampton Wanderers – can there be a greater honour?

At its peak, 7,000 workers packed the sprawling site sandwiched between the railway line and Stafford Road.

The mechanical clatter of conveyor belts, the billowing plumes of smoke, and the hustle and bustle of production brought the city’s northern fringe to life. And for generations of Wulfrunians, Goodyear was a way of life.

Regretfully, the plant’s closure has been on the cards for some time. Gradually over the years production was reduced and came to a stop last year.

A small team has been keeping things ticking over in the mean time before leaving for the last time yesterday.

Goodyear has provided so many memories for this city over the years.

Thousands of workers will continue to share their stories for many years to come. They have been a credit to this city. Wolverhampton never let Goodyear down.

And those workers will leave an incredible legacy for many years to come. Thanks to members of the factory’s Unite branch, a staggering £1 million donation has been made to Compton Hospice from the 5/344 Transport and General Workers Sick and Distress Fund.

It is an incredible gesture that will benefit the people of Wolverhampton well into the future. The generosity displayed epitomises what Goodyear was and is to this city – a family.

But as the saying goes, all good things must come to an end.

Understandably, there will be many a tear shed this week.

But we shouldn’t let this overshadow the good times and the many happy memories. We will forever be grateful for Goodyear and never forget the place it had close to our hearts.