Over 160 jobs to go as Leicestershire foundry set to close

Some 161 jobs are set to be axed in Leicestershire after Saint-Gobain PAM UK revealed it is closing its Holwell factory in Melton Mowbray.

The company said it will move the manufacture of access covers and grating products to its factory in Blénod in France.

Staff in Melton Mowbray will lose their jobs in December. They were told of the closure on Thursday (March 7), TheBusinessDesk.com understands.

Alan Gwilliam, managing director of Saint-Gobain PAM UK, said: “It’s with great sadness we announce the proposed closure of our Holwell site in Melton Mowbray.

“Our business has had to contend with Brexit, covid and considerable cost increases over the last few years. Despite the huge efforts from the Holwell team, the factory has become uncompetitive and with excess capacity within our European manufacturing footprint, the proposal to consolidate our manufacturing sites is the sensible solution.

“The factory in France has recently had an investment to reduce the carbon intensity of production, which will result in a significant reduction in the carbon emissions related to our products of 50% in future. This is a considerable driver for our business and our customers as we continually seek ways to reduce our overall environmental impact.

“We know this is a significant announcement that will affect many local people as well as the many employees of the site, the majority of whom are from the town. Holwell has been an important part of the town since 1881 and we know there are many local people with current and past ties to the plant. We will of course act with consideration and respect to all involved as we move through this uncertain time.”