Vauxhall to cut 400 jobs at Ellesmere Port factory
Reduced demand for Astra leads to reduction in workforce
Vauxhall has announced 400 jobs will be cut at its Ellesmere Port factory by the end of the year.
The plant, which currently employs just under 1,800 people, solely produces the Vauxhall and Opel Astra hatchback — demand for which has reduced with growing interest in SUVs.
In an official statement, the British manufacturer said: “Vauxhall needs to adjust production volumes at its Ellesmere Port production facility to the current level of demand, to improve its performance and protect its future as the industry faces challenging European market conditions and a declining passenger car market.”
Vauxhall and its parent company Opel were purchased by PSA Group, the French giant made up of Citroen and Peugeot, earlier this year.
PSA last week announced new vehicle production at two plants in France, although Vauxhall say this has no relation to the announced job cuts.
A spokesperson for Vauxhall said: “The PSA news is a totally separate thing.”
“That’s two plants building the next generation of their current products. [The Ellesmere Port announcement] is all about the Astra and market pressures, that’s all.”
This was supported by a PSA statement, which said: “PSA Group has affirmed its commitment to the Astra plant at Ellesmere Port. The company has every confidence in the capability and skills of the Ellesmere Port workforce to deliver the necessary improvements in financial performance.
“Once it has enough visibility on the future trading relationship with the EU, and the plant competitiveness has been addressed, the company will be in a position to consider future investments.”
