Fears for 125 jobs as factory announces closure plans
Staff at a Gloucester factory on the site of the county's historic former airport could be facing redundancy after the owners announced plans to move all work abroad to “strengthen” its position.
One hundred and twenty five staff are waiting to hear their fate after the owner of the Gloucester factory they work in announced this week it was exploring plans to close the operations.
Brockworth-based Invista, owned by American giant Koch Industries, said if it went ahead with it's proposal it would move operations to its base in Kingston, Canada, and also be exploring sites in China.
The intention, according to the business, would be “to strengthen its global operating footprint and position the business for long-term competitiveness”.
It would bring to an end operations on a site which was famously once part of the Gloster Aircraft Company, which opened more than 100 years ago and produced military aircraft for the Second World War and the first ever British jet plane.
Brook Vickery, INVISTA president and chief executive officer, said: “These proposals are not a reflection of their performance or commitment, but rather a response to today’s market environment and the need to align our operations with where we see long-term opportunity.
“Our top priority now is ensuring the safe, stable operation of our facilities as we work through the changes necessary to evaluate and, if approved, implement these proposals.”
The proposals also include the closure of a machine shop in Martinsville, Virginia, USA.
In a statement on the company’s website Invista said: “In the coming weeks, INVISTA will engage in required employee consultations and work closely with customers to support potential orderly product transitions. Approximately 150 roles across the affected locations may potentially be impacted should these proposals move forward.
“If enacted, all impacted employees will be eligible for severance benefits. Throughout this process, INVISTA remains committed to treating every employee with dignity and respect and will continue to comply with all applicable legal and regulatory requirements.”
Matt Griffith, director of policy at Business West, which represents businesses across the region, said that the possible closure of Invista will have a big impact on the area.
“This will be a big shock for Gloucester and the wider county, which has a significant manufacturing footprint.
“While we can’t comment on the specifics of this case, it highlights the very challenging environment many businesses face today, with rising costs, weaker demand and ongoing trade pressures.”