Pirelli, the Italian tyre manufacturer, has announced a temporary halt in production at its two UK factories, citing “market conditions” for the move.
The Burton-on-Trent plant in Staffordshire will pause from Friday, while the Carlisle site in Cumbria will stop from Sunday. Both facilities will remain closed for six days.
The two factories employ around 1,200 people, with more than 900 based at Carlisle.
The stoppage is understood to be linked to a recent cyber attack on Jaguar Land Rover (JLR), which disrupted vehicle production and had a knock-on effect on suppliers. Experts at the Cyber Monitoring Centre estimate that the attack affected 5,000 businesses.
While JLR declined to comment, a Pirelli spokesman said the pause was necessary to align production with current market conditions. The company emphasised that the measure is temporary and that it remains fully committed to its UK operations.
Pirelli continues to invest in local manufacturing, recognising the strategic value of the UK market within its global footprint.
The Burton-on-Trent plant serves as a flagship Pirelli Performance Centre, providing high-level technical expertise and industry-leading tyre fitting for some of the world’s most prestigious vehicles. The facility combines technical proficiency with customer service, offering tyre recommendations and expert fitting, particularly for the renowned P ZERO™ range. The centre has established itself as a hub for precision and performance, reflecting Pirelli’s commitment to quality and innovation.
The Carlisle factory, which opened in 1969, supplies tyres to major manufacturers including Jaguar, Volkswagen, Porsche, BMW, Mercedes, and Volvo. Operating 24 hours a day and up to 354 days a year, the site directly employs over 850 people and supports an estimated 3,000 supply chain jobs in the region. The factory has recently been extended, reinforcing Pirelli’s commitment to its UK operations and the local economy.
Facilities management and infrastructure improvements, including security and fire safety upgrades, have been a key part of maintaining efficiency and safety at the site.
Despite the temporary closure, Pirelli’s UK subsidiary has seen growing turnover and profits. Analysts expect strong sales to continue, driven by the company’s role as a supplier to high-end vehicle manufacturers. The firm’s production capacity and reputation for quality tyres, combined with strategic investment in local facilities, ensure that both the Burton and Carlisle sites remain integral to Pirelli’s global network.
The government has supported JLR following the cyber attack, pledging a £1.5 billion loan guarantee to protect the firm’s supply chain. Officials confirmed that they have provided cyber security expertise and continue to monitor the wider supply chain, recognising JLR’s role in supporting tens of thousands of jobs across the country.
The phased restart of vehicle production at JLR is seen as a positive step for suppliers like Pirelli, ensuring the continuity of operations and economic stability for the regions surrounding its factories.
Pirelli’s temporary production halt highlights the interconnected nature of the automotive supply chain, where disruptions at one manufacturer can have immediate effects on multiple partners.
By maintaining close coordination with its clients and investing in robust facilities, Pirelli aims to minimise the impact of such interruptions. The company’s continued focus on technical excellence, customer service, and innovation positions it well to navigate temporary challenges while safeguarding long-term growth.
With strong performance predicted for the coming months, Pirelli remains confident in its UK operations.
The temporary closures are a short-term response to market conditions and supply chain disruptions, rather than a reflection of long-term demand or profitability.
Continued investment in the UK, alongside close cooperation with manufacturers like JLR, ensures that Pirelli can maintain its high standards and meet the needs of a global customer base.
