Vauxhall to build new Astra model at Ellesmere Port plant
Vauxhall has confirmed plans to build its next generation Astra model at its Ellesmere Port plant in Cheshire, safeguarding 2,100 jobs and creating a further 700.
Owner General Motors said it will invest £125million in the factory and spend about £1billion in the UK component sector. Vauxhall chairman Duncan Aldred described the deal as 'historic'.
He commented: "This is great news for the Ellesmere Port plant, our employees, the local community, our suppliers, the Vauxhall brand and the UK. We have been able to develop a responsible labour agreement that secures the plant's future.
"This is assisted by the Government's industrial strategy, increasing its focus on the manufacturing sector and creating ideal ground for companies to build up long term investments."
The announcement drew praise from the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE). Philippa Oldham, Head of Transport and Manufacturing, said: "This is welcome news for Merseyside, and for UK manufacturing as a whole. The UK car manufacturing industry is seeing a much needed renaissance, leading to the UK's first trade surplus since the 70s."
She added: "The UK has some of the most cutting edge and innovative manufacturing in the world and it is heartening that companies like General Motors recognise this."
