News that the Barden factory in Estover has been saved from closure has been welcomed by business leaders and politicians.
German owners Schaeffler announced plans to shut the site in November – putting over 350 jobs at risk.
But it was announced on May 7 that the plant had been sold to HQW Precision who will continue to manufacture at the site.
The announcement followed months of lobbying and discussions by local MPs and Plymouth City Council.
Leader of Plymouth City Council, Councillor Tudor Evans:
“This is a great day and great news that a key Plymouth company is going to stay in the city.
“An enormous amount of work has taken place behind the scenes to get this result and we’d like to say thank you to Schaeffler for listening to us and for working so hard with us to enable the business to be sold – giving the Plymouth plant a lifeline.
“It’s their concern for staff here in Plymouth and the links forged with this city and its strong manufacturing credentials that has turned around a possible closure to a whole new future with HQW.
“We are in touch with HQW and are offering support and guidance to ensure a prosperous future for the company, its staff and the wider manufacturing sector here in Plymouth for many years.
“The Plymouth plant was saved because of the skills of its staff and the high value of manufacturing here in this city – and the importance the council places on it.
“We are now prepared and ready to work with HQW. Bring it on.”
MP Johnny Mercer, who has the Barden plant within his Moor View constituency, said:
“We’ve managed to save all the jobs at the Bardens Factory in Plymouth. This is huge news.
“Barden’s has been one of our stalwart companies in Plymouth for fifty years. January they were looking at closing. A team of us have worked hard to ensure the livelihoods of every single job in this factory, a factory which has been a stalwart of the Plymouth manufacturing scene for 50 years.
“I am absolutely delighted, and pay tribute to both Schaeffler and particularly their managing director in Plymouth Jon Everett, for his tireless work. Saving 367 jobs is a significant achievement, and shows the confidence others have not only in our city, but what can happen when we ruthlessly focus on outcomes to improve people’s lives who live here.”
Luke Pollard, Member of Parliament for Plymouth Sutton and Devonport said:
“Barden has been a part of Plymouth for over 50 years and the news will be welcomed by the firm’s employees, the city’s manufacturing base and Plymouth as a whole.
“Plymouth’s MPs stood together on a cross-party basis for the jobs at Barden with a face to face meeting in February of this year with Barden’s German owners. I’m delighted that Barden will continue to operate in Plymouth securing 350 jobs.
“I look forward to meeting the firm’s new owners in due course to reassure them of our cross-party support for this high value manufacturing to continue in Plymouth. Today is a good day for Plymouth and for Barden’s employees.
“I want to pay tribute to the staff and management who have been determined to protect jobs in Plymouth and find a future for the plant. Their effort has paid off.”
