Desperate search for C-Tyres ahead of rally

Nov 7 2007 by Andrew Mernin, The Journal

THE collapse of a tyre manufacturer has caused a frantic search in garages and scrapyards across the country ahead of a high-profile motoring event tomorrow.

County Durham-based C-Tyres, which collapsed last month, axing its 100-strong workforce, was the main supplier of tyres to the 140 drivers taking part in tomorrow’s Lombard Rally.

And organisers of the national event, which attracts drivers from around the world, have faced a frantic race against time to find Colway Tyres in homes and garages across the country for the rally drivers, after the factory in Langley Moor closed.

Kenny Owen, clerk of the course at Lombard Rally, said: “We’ve been working tirelessly for two weeks to try to resolve the situation and we’ve managed to get most of the competitors to run on Colways.

“We’ve found suppliers all over the place and a number of people have searched their garages. It’s caused a major hiccup for the event.”

The four-day race is designed to put all competitors on a level playing field, with Colway being the standard tyre used alongside standardised engines, transmissions and brakes.

However, the C-Tyres plant, on Littleburn Industrial Estate, closed last month after failing to pay its rent, throwing the race into turmoil.

It is estimated that around 90% of the drivers have managed to get hold of Colway Tyres, while organisers are still appealing for other suppliers or owners of the specialised tyres to come forward.

Mr Owen also said race organisers have arranged supplies of an alternative control tyre from Vredestein to be made available at the start of the event.

An appeal running on the official Lombard Rally website said: “We need your Colways, maybe your granny has gone on holiday and we can borrow hers for a few days, please let us know.”

Meanwhile, the future of C-Tyres, which officially entered administration last Thursday, is still in doubt, with Sunderland debt recovery specialist Tenon currently looking for a buyer.

On Saturday The Journal reported that a number of investors were circling the firm and yesterday C-Tyres managing director Gary Oliver said: “I am confident that we can sell the business but the sooner the better as time is of the essence.”

Last month the landlord of C-Tyres issued the firm with a forfeiture notice for non-payment of rent, forcing it to close its gates.

Staff were told to stay away from the factory as the gates would be locked, while workers received their redundancy letters last Friday.

The Lombard Rally is the largest motor rally for standard cars taking in stages across Wales, Gloucestershire and Oxfordshire over four days.