Latest news with #VauxhallClosure
BBC News
24-06-2025
- Business
- BBC News
Vauxhall plant closure 'could cost Luton area £300m a year'
The closure of Luton's Vauxhall plant could amount to a gross value added loss to the area of more than £300m a year, a report estimated 1,200 employees were affected by Stellantis's decision to shut the Bedfordshire plant in March, 120 years after it started manufacturing Borough Council has formally approved a decision to create a taskforce to "manage and mitigate the economic shock", it said. The group includes the council, government officials, logistics firm Goodman that has purchased the site, and Luton Rising - the council-led group that owns London Luton Airport. The report by Sinead McNamara, service director for inclusive growth, to the borough council's executive said the closure would have "significant economic and social consequences, and will negatively impact both Luton's and the wider regional economy's future financial growth ambitions".It would affect the direct job losses but also "the supply chain", it said."Early estimates are that the closure of the Luton plant represents a GVA loss of over £300 million per annum, a huge economic shock to the local and regional economies."The Local Democracy Reporting Service said the report stated that "several positive meetings" had been held with the new owners, which said it would spend £400m regenerating the site into a "high-quality commercial and industrial park". Hazel Simmons, Labour leader of the authority, said the group would be "specifically focusing on the economic renewal of the site, with extra skills and training to support affected workers back into employment". She said "opportunities" were also emerging with the approval of the expansion of the town's airport and Universal Studios planning to open a theme park close to Bedford. "We also have the new 25,000 capacity football stadium opening in our town centre, as well as a strong cultural events programme and live music offer to support the thriving visitor economy."These two developments alone will transform our town and reinforce the role Luton plays in the wider regional economy. "What we must address with the taskforce is the short-term and how we can maximise opportunities around what's happening at a later date," she said it closed the Luton plant to move its electric van production to another site in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, where it was investing £50m."Our employees always remain our priority, and we continue to act responsibly towards our colleagues in Luton," a spokesperson previously said. Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
BBC News
22-05-2025
- Automotive
- BBC News
Luton taskforce to act 'with urgency' after Vauxhall closure
A council has set up a group to support former Vauxhall workers with what it called the "significant economic and social impact" of the factory's estimated 1,200 employees were affected by Stellantis's decision to shut the Luton plant in March, 120 years after it started manufacturing Simmons, Labour leader of Luton Council, said the closure "was a profound moment for our town, and we needed to act with unity, urgency, and ambition".A taskforce met to discuss how to limit the economic impact and provide future jobs and growth for the area. It was set up by Luton Council with the support of central government and the minister for industry, who delivered the opening Sarah Jones said: "We know this will be a concerning time for Stellantis employees and their families, and we fully support the work of the Luton Taskforce to help those affected through this process."The Kimpton Road site has been bought by property group Goodman, which said it would spend £400m regenerating the site into a "high-quality commercial and industrial park".Goodman said its investment in the industrial estate could create more than 1,700 jobs, once works were completed in 2028. The taskforce will come up with proposals to central government "for a comprehensive economic response package for Luton".It will focus on "immediate support for affected workers and their families" as well as "longer-term regeneration" of the town, including providing skills and retraining will also recognise Luton's industrial heritage by developing a plan to "ensure the legacy of over 120 years of car and van manufacturing".Simmons said: "This is in line with our economic growth strategy, which sets out a clear vision for creating a stronger, and more productive economy, which delivers greater opportunities for our residents, improves their everyday lives and ensures that no one is left behind." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
