GKN laying off 30 workers at Telford plant
Telford-based GKN Wheels & Structures is making about 30 workers redundant, it was announced today.
The firm, based in Hadley, Telford, has confirmed it is laying off about 30 employees due to a contract with a car company coming to an end.
The redundancies are set to be made before Christmas.
In a statement given to the Shropshire Star, Sali Morris, marketing and communications director at GKN Wheels & Structures, said: "GKN confirms that it is entering into consultation with employees at its Telford site following the ending of a large long-term contract which has been taken in-house by the customer - a well-known international car manufacturer.
"The consultation is expected to involve some 30 out of 400 employees at Telford."
The site in Telford conduct a variety of manufacturing and engineering activities that focus on the automotive, construction and agricultural markets, producing off-highway wheels and supplying chassis frames and structural assemblies to companies all over the world.
Telford's Tory MP, Lucy Allan, said she was very concerned about the loss of jobs.
Shock
"I spoke to GKN last Friday to discuss the situation and find out more as I was very concerned to learn about these redundancies," she said.
"Many of those whose jobs are at risk have worked for GKN their whole life so this will be a very worrying time for them - it is always a tremendous shock to receive this news.
"For any employee redundancy is always more than the loss of a job and this is particularly true when there has been such long service.
"The company assures me that investment continues and the company's prospects for the future are good.
"These redundancies relate to the loss of a contract which has been taken in house by the customer and I understand these redundancies will take place around Christmas.
"I will keep a watchful eye on the process and stay in close touch with the company during this time."
The company say over the last two years it has secured investment to house the best off-highway wheel rim line and paint facility in the world, and a new facility in Telford will offer an extended range of wheels.
