Honda explains the reasons for closing Swindon manufacturing plant

The plant currently produces 150,000 cars per year, and employs circa 3,500 associates.

This proposal has come as Honda accelerates its commitment to electrified cars, in response to the unprecedented changes in the global automotive industry. The company has said the significant challenges of electrification will see it revise its global manufacturing operations, and focus activity in regions where it expects to have high production volumes. Similar reasons were used to justify cutting 4,500 jobs at Jaguar Land Rover in January.

Under this proposed restructure, Honda’s UK role as a global manufacturing hub may no longer be viable.

Consultation activity began yesterday, and Honda# will be working closely with its workforce, including the recognised trade union, Unite the Union, over the months ahead.

Katsushi Inoue, chief officer for European regional operations, Honda Motor Company, and president, Honda Motor Europe said: “In light of the unprecedented changes that are affecting our industry, it is vital that we accelerate our electrification strategy and restructure our global operations accordingly. As a result, we have had to take this difficult decision to consult our workforce on how we might prepare our manufacturing network for the future. This has not been taken lightly and we deeply regret how unsettling today’s announcement will be for our people.”

Director of Honda’s Swindon site, Jason Smith, added: “We understand the impact this proposal will have on our associates, wider supplier base and the local community. We are committed to supporting associates to help them through this difficult time.”

Honda www.hondamanufacturing.co.uk