Jobs go as Exide shuts Bolton factory

BATTERY manufacturer Exide Technologies has confirmed plans to close its factory near Bolton with the loss of 385 jobs.

US-owned Exide, which blamed the slowdown for its decision, began a consultation process with staff at the plant in April.

Today it confirmed plans to close its CMP Batteries lead-acid battery factory in Over Hulton. The company said manufacturing will wind-down over the next four to eight weeks.

The company said it had worked closely with unions to explore an alternative to closure.

In a statement Franz-Josef Dette, president of Exide’s Industrial Energy Europe arm, said: “The situation facing Over Hulton is extremely difficult. Unfortunately, because the proposal was not sustainable due to economic reasons, it was not accepted.”

“The representatives were not able to provide any further proposals for consideration by the company. Therefore, at the representatives’ request, the discussions focused on mitigating the effects of the proposed redundancies.” 

Exide plans to retain its battery distribution centre at the plant which employs 35 staff.
  
The Over Hulton factory has been open since 1979. Exide said battery production will be moved to other locations to deliver, “significant operational manufacturing and logistical efficiencies”.

Mr Dette added: “Our decision to close the Over Hulton operation is indeed a very difficult one. Unfortunately, this necessary measure is one that we believe is required to address our challenges as we continue operating in today’s marketplace.”

“More specifically, the decision is a result of the slowdown in the economy, the related impact on original equipment and aftermarket lead-acid battery markets in the materials handling segment, and the necessity for Exide to rebalance and optimize its production and distribution footprint.”