Production of the Vauxhall Astra will stay in the UK at least until the 2020s. Thanks to a new labour agreement General Motors confirmed that the next generation Astra will be assembled at Ellesmere Port.
Assembly of the new Astra is scheduled to start in 2015 and to prepare for production £125 million will be invested in the Cheshire factory. The plant will also move to a three-shift working pattern from next year. Around 700 jobs will be created as a result.
More British jobs should be created in the supply chain. The locally sourced content for the next Astra will be at least 25%, which should increase Ellesmere Port's competitiveness.
A number of 'creative operating solutions' have been implemented in order to improve flexibility and reduce fixed costs. The factory is now one of the most competitive in the Vauxhall/Opel manufacturing network. A minimum of 160,000 vehicles per year will be produced under the new agreement and, at full capacity will run profitably.
Vauxhall Chairman and Managing Director, Duncan Aldred, said: "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."
Astra production will be shared between the UK and GM's plant in Gliwice, Poland.
John Lambert - 18 May 2012