Norsk Hydro has opened a consultation process with employee representatives at its aluminium plant in Worcester, UK, over making nearly 40% of the workforce redundant.
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Axing around 80 jobs from its automotive components facility in Worcester and warehouse in Wales will allow Hydro to adjust to the decrease in volume that is projected for the plant next year, the company said in a statement.
The staff reductions will be completed by 1 April, and will leave the company with about 140 employees.
“This adjustment is necessary for us to have the ability to win new orders in the automotive supply market,” said plant managing director Bob Dorney-Smith.
The Hydro plant in Worcester designs and makes lightweight bonded aluminium frames for vehicles.
Since 1999, when the plant was opened, the company has delivered around 40,000 frames to customers like Aston Martin and Lotus. Other customers include BMW and Jaguar.
The Worcester-based plant is part of Hydro’s Automotive Structures business unit. Hydro announced recently that it intends to sell the unit.
Dorney-Smith said the decision to divest should be positive for the Worcester plant.
“We need to further develop our niche competence to continue meeting the requirements of our customers,” he says. “Hydro recognises that a new owner will better help secure our future.”
Hydro embarked on the sales process in early November, and has set no timetable.
