Optimism grows at repair base

Things are looking up for the Abro military repair base at Donnington in Telford - exactly a year after the devastating announcement that it would close in 2007 with the loss of more than 600 jobs.

After winning a temporary reprieve following a spirited campaign by the whole community, the repair base has been taking on new staff and workers and management are working together to boost efficiency and win orders.

The success story was outlined today by union leaders who claim Abro is a shining example of how "people power" can persuade a government to change its mind.

Abro - the Army Base Repair Organisation - repairs armoured vehicles and is one of Telford's biggest employers.

Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram announced 12 months ago that it would close by May 2007 with the loss of 628 jobs as part of national cuts in defence spending.

Unions launched a high-profile campaign, supported by Telford & Wrekin Council, MPs David Wright and Mark Pritchard, local businesses and thousands of individuals.

They celebrated victory in March when Mr Ingram did a U-turn, declaring the base would stay open in the medium term.

Brett Davis, president of the Shropshire and Telford Trades Council and deputy union convenor at the site, said today: "Morale at the workshops is on the up and workload is far higher than was expected."

He said a recruitment campaign had resulted in more than 30 agency employees being taken on.

"The fact that Abro Donnington is now having to recruit sends out very positive signals to the workforce," he said.

"It is a great step forward from 12 months ago when it looked like no one was to be employed in the workshop on any terms."

Amicus Telford branch secretary Andy Hanks, who also works at Abro, said: "Industrial relations at Donnington are presently very good. Unions and management share the common goal of trying to secure a long and successful future for the site."

By Peter Johnson