Sportscar manufacturer Lotus to cut 550 jobs at Norfolk base

Neve Gordon-FarleighBBC Information, NorfolkGetty ImagesThe Lotus manufacturing unit has been primarily based in Hethel for the reason that 1960sSportscar producer Lotus is to chop 550 jobs at its UK headquarters in Norfolk, the BBC understands.Lotus, which relies at Hethel, close to Wymondham, had beforehand denied experiences that it was to shut its manufacturing unit there and arrange a brand new plant in the US.In June, it mentioned it was “actively exploring choices within the world market” however remained “dedicated to the UK”.Nevertheless, confirming the job cuts earlier, the corporate mentioned the choice adopted “a overview of Lotus Vehicles’ enterprise goals in step with the present market situations”.In a press release, it mentioned: “We imagine that is crucial with a view to safe a sustainable future for the corporate in immediately’s quickly evolving automotive atmosphere, which is seeing uncertainty with speedy adjustments in world insurance policies together with tariffs.”The model stays absolutely dedicated to the UK, and Norfolk will stay the house of the Lotus’ sports activities automotive, motorsports and engineering consulting operations.”It’s actively exploring future development alternatives to diversify Lotus Vehicles’ enterprise mannequin, together with by way of third-party manufacturing.”The corporate presently has 1,300 staff on the website.LotusLotus mentioned the model remained “absolutely dedicated to the UK”South Norfolk Council mentioned it will do all it may to “assist and assist the 550 people who find themselves to lose their jobs”. Daniel Elmer, chief of the council, mentioned: “We are going to proceed to work with Lotus, however our precedence now have to be the people who find themselves shedding their jobs, and we can be working with the county council to place in place assist packages.”We will even be speaking to the federal government to see how they might help us in making certain that there’s a future for this iconic model in South Norfolk.”Paul Moseley/BBCMP Ben Goldsborough mentioned the “worst case state of affairs” of Lotus closing its UK headquarters had been prevented The corporate was based within the early Nineteen Fifties by engineer Colin Chapman and moved to Hethel within the Nineteen Sixties. Ben Goldsborough, Labour MP for South Norfolk, mentioned it was a “very dangerous day” for the county.”Horrible information immediately when it comes to the 550 jobs misplaced however the worst case state of affairs has been prevented which is a whole and utter closure of Lotus UK,” he mentioned.”This can be a punch within the abdomen for each single individual that has simply heard this information this morning.”