A union representing the 1,250 workers scheduled to be made redundant when Opel closes its Antwerp plant in Belgium say parent GM has no interest in seeing car production continue at the site.
The Antwerp factory – producing the Opel Astra – is due to close on 31 December – but the GM union insists the manufacturer is not interested in talking to any possible mystery Chinese investor or the Antwerp Port Authority.
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“There was still one potential investor – the so-called Chinese investor,” European Works Council vice chairman Rudi Kennes told just-auto from Belgium. “GM is denying their offer and is refusing to have further talks with them.
“It is quite clear they [GM] didn’t only want to close down the Antwerp plant but they also have an interest to say there is no continuation of car manufacturing in Antwerp on that site.”
“They [GM] are also dragging their feet to talks with the Port Authoritiy and the Flemish government to sell the plant and buildings. They have a clear agenda and it was very clear to us from the beginning – from day one they wanted to sabotage the whole process.”
An Opel spokesman confirmed to just-auto the Antwerp plant was still in the process of winding down with production ceasing by year-end.
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By GlobalData“There is no investor yet – there is nothing to announce – we do not talk about these talks with possible investors,” the Opel spokesman said.
“It is a process of phasing out production – Astra Classic production will go to Bochum – [it] will be able to cope with the extra amount of vehicles.”
Speculation has swirled as to the identity of any potential Chinese investor, but GM has previously said no viable business plan had been put forward by potential bidders.
Kennes said the Works Council would support the Port Authority in any initiative as it worked for the Flemish government. “The government is at least interested in having an automotive industry,” he said.
“The Port Authority is interested in the site – it can see if there is a possibility for the automotive business or industrial activity. What GM is doing I could predict six months ago.”
