300 jobs to go at Shropshire factory
The UK’s sole foil manufacturer, Novelis, has confirmed that it will close its Shropshire site. More than 300 employees will lose their jobs at the Bridgnorth factory when it closes its doors next year.
The company, which employs 319 people, said that the Bridgnorth factory was “at a technical and logistical disadvantage” compared to others in the Novelis Europe system.
Steven Westwood, Novelis plant manager at the site, said that the decision to close was “primarily due to overall European market pressures”. He added that it was not doe to specific performance issues at Bridgnorth.
Increasing competition from low-cost countries and overcapacity in the European foil market were cited by the company as reasons for the closure.
The company said that the site will cease production in 2011, and will consolidate its operations at other plants in its European system. The company said that proposals to close were "subject to a current consultation process with the 319 employees at Bridgnorth".
Westwood said: "We will fully consult with our colleagues here at Bridgnorth and discuss in detail any viable options that may arise through that consultation. If, however, the proposed closure does take effect, we will of course make every effort to minimise the impact and provide support to our colleagues."
