The Government’s business minister has been asked to intervene in a consultation to decide whether one of west Suffolk’s biggest employers will shut down its manufacturing plant in Sudbury.
Engineering firm Delphi Diesel Systems recently announced the start of the talks about the possible closure, which would see more than 500 jobs lost at the Newton Road site.
Last week, South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge spoke to government business minister Claire Perry about the situation at Delphi, which makes diesel fuel injectors and filters for commercial vehicles.
Delphi bosses claim that with a global move against diesel, demand for what they manufacture at Sudbury could drop by as much as 25%.
If the closure goes ahead, some production will move to Delphi’s Gloucestershire plant but the majority will go to Romania, with up to 20% of current staff offered relocation packages to Gloucestershire.
Mr Cartlidge said although the town should “prepare for the worst”, every avenue should be explored due to the huge number of jobs at risk. So he has spoken to Delphi’s UK head of operations, Babergh’s economic development team and Ms Perry.
“My priority was to ensure at the earliest opportunity that this potentially damaging news for Sudbury is on the radar of central Government,” he said.
“So I’m pleased to have been able to meet with the minister Claire Perry and was reassured by her commitment to seek the earliest possible contact with the parent company in the USA.
“Of course we have to be careful not to unrealistically inflate expectations.
“Nevertheless, with so many jobs possibly at risk it is vital that we explore every avenue, with maximum possible local and national Government support.”
Following the meeting, Ms Perry said: “The Government works closely with the supply chain and has been in regular contact with Delphi.
“We want to build on the good relationship we have with the company and are keen to explore with them Delphi’s strategy in the UK going forward.
“James Cartlidge has already communicated local concerns to the Government and I know he is working closely with Delphi employees in Sudbury during the consultation.”
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