Six tyre production workers and a supervisor, the first recruits for Dunlop Aircraft Tyres' new retreading operation in China, are set to return to their country after completing a training course in Birmingham to prepare them for the opening of the new facility.

Zhang Gong Kai, Xie Lin Jun, Chen Yang Wei, Wang Qian Kun, Lin Xian Ze, Yang Xi Kun and Chen Sheng Feng have spent six months training at the company's new tyre manufacturing and retreading site in Erdington.

While in England the new recruits have been given full training to ensure that they can successfully replicate the plant's best practice when the new operation in Jinjiang opens early next year.

Dunlop Taikoo (Jinjiang) Aircraft Tyres is a joint venture between Dunlop Aircraft Tyres, Hong Kong Aircraft Engineering (HAECO) and Taikoo (Xiamen) Aircraft Engineering (TAECO).

The facility will support airlines based in the Asia Pacific region by distributing new tyres that have been manufactured in Birmingham and by providing a retread service.

Retreading helps airlines maximise their investment in tyres and is an integral part of the procurement process. By having local capability in China, Dunlop Aircraft Tyres will be able to increase its share of the growing Asia Pacific market.

Dunlop Aircraft Tyres' chairman, Ian Edmondson said: "Work has already started on the construction of the facility and our first recruits have been in Birmingham preparing for next year's opening. I am very pleased with the progress that we are making."