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Luton Vauxhall plant will close in April Vauxhall confirms Luton plant will close in April
(5 days later)
The Vauxhall plant in Luton opened in 1905The Vauxhall plant in Luton opened in 1905
The owner of Vauxhall has told staff it will close its van-making factory in Luton in April.The owner of Vauxhall has told staff it will close its van-making factory in Luton in April.
Stellantis announced it would shut the site, which has been making vehicles since 1905, in November as it planned to move its electric van production to its other UK plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.Stellantis announced it would shut the site, which has been making vehicles since 1905, in November as it planned to move its electric van production to its other UK plant in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire.
After work ceases in Luton, machinery will be transferred to Ellesmere Port and production on Vauxhall's medium all-electric vans will commence in 2026.After work ceases in Luton, machinery will be transferred to Ellesmere Port and production on Vauxhall's medium all-electric vans will commence in 2026.
The Labour leader of Luton Council, Hazel Simmons, described it as a "devastating blow to Luton and the livelihood of the workers".The Labour leader of Luton Council, Hazel Simmons, described it as a "devastating blow to Luton and the livelihood of the workers".
She said: "Vauxhall has been an integral part of Luton's heritage for decades.She said: "Vauxhall has been an integral part of Luton's heritage for decades.
"We did what we could to try and stop this closure going ahead and I feel angry that this decision will massively impact the lives of so many people.""We did what we could to try and stop this closure going ahead and I feel angry that this decision will massively impact the lives of so many people."
The Vauxhall Victor, built in Luton, was a popular car throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70sThe Vauxhall Victor, built in Luton, was a popular car throughout the 1950s, 60s and 70s
Stellantis, which also owns Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat, previously said rules imposed to speed up the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK had partly driven its decision.Stellantis, which also owns Citroen, Peugeot and Fiat, previously said rules imposed to speed up the transition to electric vehicles (EVs) in the UK had partly driven its decision.
Current rules state that EVs must make up 22% of a manufacturer's car sales this year, and 10% of van sales.Current rules state that EVs must make up 22% of a manufacturer's car sales this year, and 10% of van sales.
In December the government called for the car firm to review its plans to close the factory.In December the government called for the car firm to review its plans to close the factory.
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds wrote to the company asking for it "pause" redundancies to enable more time for discussions "about options to keep the plant open".Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds wrote to the company asking for it "pause" redundancies to enable more time for discussions "about options to keep the plant open".
Responding to reports the site would close in April he said: "This news will be deeply concerning for the employees at Luton who will be affected and their families.Responding to reports the site would close in April he said: "This news will be deeply concerning for the employees at Luton who will be affected and their families.
"We will continue to work closely with [Stellantis], the trade unions and Luton Council to put in place measures to support the local community.""We will continue to work closely with [Stellantis], the trade unions and Luton Council to put in place measures to support the local community."
About 1,100 jobs were put at risk as a result of the plans to shut the plantAbout 1,100 jobs were put at risk as a result of the plans to shut the plant
Stellantis said it would invest £50m in the Ellesmere Port plant as it became the firm's UK commercial vehicle hub.Stellantis said it would invest £50m in the Ellesmere Port plant as it became the firm's UK commercial vehicle hub.
It said employees affected by job losses would receive support including financial aid, retraining and wellness sessions.It said employees affected by job losses would receive support including financial aid, retraining and wellness sessions.
In a statement, it said: "The required consultation period with Unite the Union, which has been detailed and constructive, has now finished and we are engaging with all interested parties to ensure that the employees have the best possible advice for their future.In a statement, it said: "The required consultation period with Unite the Union, which has been detailed and constructive, has now finished and we are engaging with all interested parties to ensure that the employees have the best possible advice for their future.
"These employees are our priority and we will continue to act responsibly towards those in Luton.""These employees are our priority and we will continue to act responsibly towards those in Luton."
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