THE closure of the Michelin tyre factory in Dundee will be a “hammer blow” to the city, union Unite said today after the company announced that the plant would shut down by 2020.

The bulk of Michelin’s workforce was informed of the decision at 8am this morning by factory management during a brief workplace meeting, although some reportedly first heard of the closure on social media.

They were then sent home by factory management, who briefed to the BBC that they were “appalled” at how the process had been handled by the senior leadership of the firm.

Michelin’s spokesperson thanked workers for their service at the site, which had been in operation since 1971, but claimed that an influx of cheap products from China meant that producing in Dundee was unprofitable.

Despite the “continuous efforts” of the company to keep the plant going, the French firm said that it was left with no other options but to close.

Unite Scottish secretary Pat Rafferty said: “Unite has been aware of the challenging market situation facing the Michelin Group.

“This has been primarily due to the cheap foreign imports from Asia and as a result falling demand for premium tyres in smaller dimensions, which the Dundee factory specialises in producing.

“This will be hammer blow for Dundee.”

He added: “The workforce can be assured Unite will fight tooth and nail to save our factory, we will leave no stone unturned to keep this factory open.

“Unite will work day and night to ensure that all options remain on the table.”