Japanese firm to shut plant in 2022 but maintain its European HQ near Bracknell in Berkshire
Honda is planning to close its factory in Swindon, dealing what trade unions called a “shattering body blow” to the UK automotive sector, which is already wrestling with the effects of Brexit-related uncertainty.
The Japanese carmaker is expected to announce as early as Tuesday that it is planning to shut its Swindon plant in 2022, in a move that would put 3,500 jobs at its only European production site at risk and threaten many more in its supply chain.
Related: Workers blame Brexit for demise of Honda’s Swindon plant
Honda: @RobertBuckland & I have already spoken to the Business Secretary & Honda. They are clear this is based on global trends and not Brexit as all European market production will consolidate in Japan in 2021.
Of course Honda Swindon closure is not just about the 3,500 jobs there. Other Honda suppliers in the UK include G-TEKT production in Gloucester, Tredegar, Ebbw Vale employing 800 people. But also plant in Slovakia starting 2019. 1/