Pilkington plc is planning to cut more than 100 jobs through the closure of its Eccleston auto glass plant on Merseyside in north-west England. The company informed workers and union officials late on…
Pilkington plc is planning to cut more than 100 jobs through the closure of its Eccleston auto glass plant on Merseyside in north-west England. The company informed workers and union officials late on 17 March 2006. Managers say they plan to close the site by early 2007 but they hope to soften the impact on the 112 workers affected. They denied that the move is linked to Pilkington“s proposed GBP 2.2 billion takeover by Japan“s Nippon Sheet Glass, details of which were sent to shareholders on 20 March 2006. Automotive president Pat Zito said: “Despite significant efforts by all employees over the past years to improve the competitive position of the Eccleston plant, we have been unable to reduce costs and improve productivity to levels which make it economically possible for Pilkington to continue to supply its customers from the plant”. He said that during the phased shutdown, the company would take “all reasonable steps” possible to mitigate the effects of the closure, including alternative employment opportunities and out-placement support.