AFTER turning out almost two million tyres there was more than a hint of sadness in the air when the last moulding was collected from the end of the production line at Michelin in Burnley yesterday.

Since the news that its last 452 workers were to be made redundant was announced in October, workers at the famous site had been dreading this moment.

When it arrives in the United States of America the tyre, a 235 85r 16 XPS Traction, will have no more significance than any other.

But for those who lifted it off the line yesterday its meaning will never be lost.

For those employed at the plant, Michelin became more than just a place of work.

As well as well paid manufacturing jobs, which are now almost an endangered species in Burnley, Michelin offered its staff a plethora of fringe benefits.

Michelin was the first Burnley employer progressive enough to introduce the continental shifts system and its sports and social activities were way ahead of their time.

Modern working conditions that had been unheard of in Burnley, and no doubt most other parts of East Lancashire, helped the French manufacturing giant to become known as a model employer. The Michelin Athletic Club was formed in 1978 and has supported a wide range of sports and social activities both for its workforce and for the wider community. Six acres adjacent to the factory were given over to the club.

Paul Niblett, a spokesman for Michelin, said: "It always has been important to Michelin to have a contented workforce. We have had employees whose sons and daughters have worked at the plant and that can be said for many of our sites."

Outlining the reasons for closure, Paul continued: "The site is too small in the context of the typical tyre plant today and the costs of the investment needed to increase the size of the plant were prohibitive." Between now and next Friday when the gates at the factory will shut for the last time the remaining employees will spend their time cleaning and preparing the site for closure.

Over 60 per cent of the 452 employees who lost their jobs have already moved on.

That, according to factory manager John Lancaster, 54, is testament to their skills and resilience.

He said: "It has been a sad few months, but the spirit has been positive throughout. People have been concerned about the future, but we have tried to support people in whatever way we can.

"They have been an excellent workforce and one can feel proud to have worked with them."

For a factory that once boasted a staff of over 1,000, the plant was eerily quiet yesterday.