Government ‘willing to talk’ to save MG production in UK End of the road for last vestige of proud car-making heritage at Longbridge
CAR-MAKING at Longbridge has suffered a final humiliating blow after MG announced it would stop assembling cars at what remained of the historic plant a decade after most of it shut.
Cars will no longer roll out of the factory after MG Motor UK owner SAIC last week announced it would “no longer be required” following a cost-cutting drive despite rising sales.
Local MP Richard Burden (Lab Northfield) described the news as “hugely disappointing” and premature as the Government had been willing to meet the firm to discuss options.
The news came after the company announced a 130 per cent increase in market share last month. The company confirmed there would be job losses, but told the Post it was expecting only about 15.
The rest of the staff will be redistributed into other roles at the SAIC Motor Technical Centre, focused around design and engineering.
Mr Burden said: “MG’s decision to close its assembly line at Longbridge is hugely disappointing and I believe it is prema- ture. I understand the business concerns that MG have surrounding costs of assembly at Longbridge, which have undoubtedly been aggravated by problems with the strength of the pound. However, more discussions should have taken place to explore alternatives and options before any decisions were finalised.
“Having spoken to the Government, I know they are willing to meet MG to discuss and explore options and help that may be available.” SAIC said centralising production would create a ‘leaner business model’ and ensure global market competitiveness. It said it would continue to employ more than 400 skilled design engineers at Longbridge as well as sales, marketing and aftersales operations. Matthew Cheyne, head of sales and marketing at MG Motor UK, said: “With efficiency and flexibility both key to long-term market success, off-shoring vehicle production is a necessary business decision.
“Relocating to state-of-the-art overseas production facilities will allow faster access to product and help to meet everincreasing customer demand, all while maintaining the highest levels of production quality. In addition, improving production scale efficiencies will support ongoing sales growth in the UK market – a key priority.”