180 jobs at risk as car parts firm plans relocation

THE jobs of up to 180 workers at a Black Country car components factory are at risk after the company announced plans to shift production to Poland.

Car Parts Industries UK, which is based in Wednesbury, has mounted a consultation with workers over the move.

The move has been attacked by union leaders at Unite, who have branded the consultation a “sham”.

The firm, which refurbishes steering units and brake callipers for cars and vans for the used parts market, has entered into a 45-day consultation period over the relocation plans, which will see the 260 strong workforce reduced to about 80.

The union said workers had expressed alarm over the plans, which will see brake calliper production moved to Poland, fearing the consultation is nothing more than a ‘fait accompli’.

Unite said the company had so far refused to discuss the plans with it, leading to fears that the company is seeking to “railroad through” the job losses without looking at other options.

Natalia Stepnowska, Unite regional officer said: “This consultation is a sham and something we believe the company has secretly planned for some time. Workers are being made to pay with their livelihoods because of mismanagement and crude cost cutting.

“This move by Car Parts Industries goes against the grain with many car component manufacturers looking to re-shore production to the UK and invest in skills.

“The company needs to come clean, drop its ‘fait accompli’ proposals and work with Unite and the workforce to keep the jobs here in the UK.”

Car Parts Industries (CPI) is a leading remanufacturer of automotive parts to the European automotive market.

It is one of the largest remanufacturers in the European aftermarket and produces a range of brake callipers, steering racks and steering pumps for an extensive range of cars and light commercial vehicles.

It said that as a major remanufacturer it was able to control the entire process from parts and production to sales and service.