More than 500 jobs at risk at Sudbury-based Delphi Diesel Systems
Delphi Diesel Systems in Sudbury. Picture: GREGG BROWN - Credit: Gregg Brown
Over 500 jobs in west Suffolk are at risk after one of the area’s biggest employers said it was entering into formal talks about the viability of the business in the region.
Inside Delphi Diesel Systems. Picture: GREGG BROWN - Credit: Gregg Brown
Sudbury-based engineering company Delphi Diesel Systems announced today that it has informed employees of its intention to enter into formal consultation regarding the long term future of the plant.
The facility, which employs 520 permanent staff, specialises in the production of diesel fuel injectors and filters for commercial vehicles.
In a statement, the company said: “There are several economic and business factors which have led Delphi to a review of their commercial vehicles diesel manufacturing strategy. Delphi is sensitive to the potential implications of this consultation and will work closely with worker representatives in order to reach a timely decision and to minimise any social impact.”
A spokesman for the firm said that “no decisions have been made at the moment” but added that “despite the outstanding efforts of all our Sudbury colleagues, it has been impossible to raise the competitiveness of the site to a level where it can win new business in a highly demanding global market.”
Delphi is a cornerstone of the community in Sudbury providing a high number of quality jobs and supporting community projects and events. It has been present in the town for over 70 years since the company - then called Lucas CAV - moved some of its operation to rural Suffolk from Acton in west London to safeguard production during war time.
The Sudbury plant is part of a global operation with sites across the world including factories in Kent, Gloucestershire and Merseyside.
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Neal Evans, Suffolk’s regional officer for Unite, said the union intended to fight any decision to close the plant in Sudbury.
He said: “We know for a fact that it is one of Delphi’s most profitable sites in the UK. Its closure would have an absolutely devastating impact on the local economy.”
