Evoque demand met by 24-hour shifts

JAGUAR Land Rover’s plant in Halewood has switched to 24-hour working for the first time to meet demand for the Evoque.

The group, owned by Indian conglomerate TATA, said it had sold 88,000 vehicles in 170 markets since the car was launched in July 2011.

Around 1,000 staff were hired earlier in the year to handle the extra work which will also involve the updated Land Rover Freelander.

Halewood operations director, Richard Else, said: “Our new recruits have worked hard during their assessments and extensive induction training.

“Many have also worked a number of trial night shifts during July, to ensure we get off to a great start today.”

He added: “Moving production to three shifts and working 24 hours a day will allow us to significantly reduce the time a customer has to wait for their new Range Rover Evoque.”

The Halewood plant has trebled its workforce in three years and now employs 4,500.