‘Deeply troubling’ – Luton faces Vauxhall closure as 1,100 jobs at risk

Luton’s historic Vauxhall plant faces closure, putting 1,100 jobs at risk in a move that one MP for Luton has called “deeply troubling”.

The decision ends over a century of automotive legacy at the Kimpton Road site as Stellantis, Vauxhall’s parent company, announced plans to transfer production to Ellesmere Port on Merseyside, shifting its focus to electric vehicle manufacturing.

Stellantis has pledged support for affected workers, offering relocation opportunities, retraining, and collaborations with local employers. However, the move raises concerns about Luton’s economic stability.

Luton South and South Bedfordshire MP Rachel Hopkins said: “Today’s announcement from Stellantis is deeply troubling for our town. I am committed to working with the UK Government, Stellantis, and Unite the Union in securing the best solution for Luton and our highly skilled workforce. Luton depends on these high-quality manufacturing jobs to drive local growth and support national prosperity.

“The Vauxhall plant is part of the fabric of Luton’s heritage and vital to our local economy. For over a century, generations of Lutonians have worked there, contributing to the production of vehicles like the Vivaro van. These efforts have created jobs and attracted investment.”

Luton North MP Sarah Owen, said: “Luton is home to a highly skilled and motivated workforce, so any job losses are a significant blow to our town. Today’s announcement from Stellantis is even more troubling given our proud history of manufacturing and deep historical links with the Vauxhall plant.

“I will be working closely with my colleague Rachel Hopkins MP, and supporting her work with the government, Stellantis and Unite the Union to secure the best solution for Luton’s highly skilled workforce and local economy, including for the many Vauxhall plant workers who live in Luton North.”

The government has also expressed commitment to working with stakeholders to minimise impacts, reinforcing broader investments in electric vehicles and greener manufacturing.

For a town intertwined with Vauxhall’s legacy, the closure signals profound challenges, requiring urgent action to preserve jobs and ensure economic resilience.

Cllr Hazel Simmons MBE, Leader of Luton Council, said: “Today’s news that Vauxhall plans to close its van making factory in Luton is a devastating blow for our town.

“First and foremost, our thoughts are with the employees and their families who have received this deeply distressing news.

“We are ready to support in any way we can and will be meeting with the plant’s management and Trade Unions to discuss practical help we can give at this time. When other firms have closed locally we have an excellent track record supporting employees to find alternative work utilising their transferrable skills and are fully committed to doing the same with our local Vauxhall community where a transfer to Ellesmere Port is not feasible for them.

“We are also seeking clarity from the government on what support they may also be able to provide for employees at this time.

“Vauxhall has been an integral part of Luton’s heritage, and this is a sad day for our town, but we are a strong and resilient town and always bounce back. We will do exactly the same following today’s news.”