In a boost to the northwest economy, Vauxhall is set to transfer its LCV (light commercial vehicle) hub to its North Road factory in Ellesmere Port.
For those investment planning in Cheshire, it has earmarked the site for a sustainable, all-electric vehicle hub to maximise access to the Green Automotive Hub at the Queen Elizabeth II Eastham docks and the new Stellantis UK parts distribution centre.
According to a local source, the carmaker’s owner Stellantis is planning to close its Luton operation and end manufacture there in the summer of 2025. As a result, it is expected that hundreds of jobs will become available at the Cheshire site, with work commencing in Ellesmere Port in 2026.
The existing workforce in Bedfordshire will be counselled and offered relocation, reemployment and retraining support where needed. The company’s plans are still subject to a period of consultation with trade unions and employees.
The company has ambitions to become the global leader in the manufacture of medium-sized K0 battery electric light commercial vehicles, and it is hoped the £50 million relocation investment will lead to greater production efficiency. Stellantis is currently the UK market leader in electric LCVs, and to date has sold over 32,000 vehicles since launch.
For its part, the Government said it was committed to its longstanding partnership with Stellantis, while also supporting the wider industry. Over £300 million of public money has been pledged to support zero emission vehicles and a further £2 billion to assist domestic manufacturing as it transitions.
