Rich

? General Motors ‘losing patience’ with European operations ? Business secretary, Vince Cable in talks with GM executivesThe business secretary, Vince Cable, met executives from General Motors last week to discuss the automotive group’s UK operations amid speculation that 2,800 jobs are under threat at one of Britain’s largest car factories.GM’s European arm has become the subject of high-level political discussions as the world’s largest car manufacturer prepares to announce heavy losses at its continental unit when it reports fourth-quarter results on Thursday. GM has signalled to the government that it is losing patience with its stubbornly loss-making European operations, whose performance is in stark contrast to the rest of the group, with the Ellesmere Port plant in Merseyside and a factory in Bochum, Germany, reportedly being considered for closure.GM employs 2,800 people at Ellesmere Port, which makes the Astra Sports Tourer, the Astra 5-door hatchback and the Astravan and has earned plaudits internally as one of the group’s most efficient units. GM’s Luton plant, where 1,500 employees make the Vivaro van, is understood to be safe.A spokesperson for the Department for Business Innovation and Skills declined to comment on “speculation” about Ellesmere Port or on Cable’s meeting, which followed another meeting between GM and senior government figures last month, but indicated that Ellesmere Port’s strong performance has been emphasised to GM executives.”Ministers are in regular contact with GM in the US and Europe at all levels,” the spokesperson said. “The UK has some of the best and most productive vehicle plants in Europe. Vauxhall is a key part of that success, and manufacturing at both Ellesmere Port and Luton is a top priority for the government. We are committed to doing all we can to ensure that both plants continue to be integral to GM’s European operations.”GM Europe is already cutting 8,000 jobs in a restructuring programme that includes the closure of a plant in Antwerp.Andrew Miller, the Labour MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston, urged the government to help guarantee the plant’s future. He said: “Given the strong partnership between the company and its workforce, which has resulted in the factory becoming one of the most productive in Europe, I am convinced

Caution Grow For 2,800 General Motors Jobs At Ellesmere Port

Responses are currently closed, but you can trackback from your own site.