Workers’ pride in new Astra
VAUXHALL employees cast off the shadow of uncertainty over the long-term future of the Ellesmere Port site as they celebrated the launch of the new Astra model.
Instead of furrowed brows and hand-wringing there was pride in what they have achieved with the Astra and quiet confidence in the future.
Lindsey Wickens, launch manager for the new car said: “This is the single biggest event for GM Europe in 2009. We are hugely proud of the car – we have had to prove we are capable of being number one in Europe in terms of efficiency, safety and productivity.
“There’s been a huge turnaround here. We’re now first or second in all of the key metrics – 10 years ago we were in the middle of 10 European plants.”
Louis Banlin, from Runcorn, a member of the general assembly pilot team said:”In terms of the bigger picture of course there is concern, but I’m not alarmed. I think we will secure the future of the business because of our ability to build great cars and do it within financial targets.”
He said he was focused on the future – the estate version of the Astra begins production next year – and he has confidence in the Government to support the business through the negotiation process with Magna.
John Rooney, who has worked at the plant for 34 years, added: “There is pride in what is a great car. I’ve been working on it since the prototype was made in Korea in 2007.
“We are all aware of the change in ownership and the background, but we have to concentrate on building the car now.
“We can’t directly influence Magna, but we can concentrate on continuing to improve productivity and making great quality cars.”
Vauxhall cars have been built on the 440-acre Ellesmere Port site since 1962, and it has provided work for generations of some families. It currently employs 2,165 people.
Talks between company bosses, unions and the new Canadian owner, Magna, are continuing over the future of the business.
Job losses and pay freezes are seen as an inevitability as a consequence of a plan by Magna to cut costs by more than £250m. Unions fear 1,000 jobs will go in the UK at Ellesmere Port and its sister plant in Luton.
