Production at Vauxhall in Luton comes to an end

April 19, 2025 GG OTHERS 0

Production at Vauxhall in Luton comes to an end.

After 120 years of operation, Vauxhall’s Luton plant has stopped producing vehicles. Stellantis, the van plant’s parent company, announced its closure in November, citing plans to relocate its electric van production to another facility in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire. The last Vauxhall Vivaro went off the production line at 12:18 GMT, according to a worker who asked not to be identified. It is anticipated that the move has put more than 1,000 employment at jeopardy.

A white van in a Vauxhall factory with workers all around it.

Stellantis stated that it would invest £50 million “to strengthen the Ellesmere Port plant as its UK commercial vehicle hub”. It stated that a period of time will be set aside to transfer machinery and process knowledge to Ellesmere Port. “Our employees always remain our priority, and we continue to act responsibly towards our colleagues in Luton,” according to a representative. Unite’s general secretary, Sharon Graham, said: “Stellantis’s betrayal of its Luton workforce, who have delivered every target asked of them, is a total disgrace.”

Steve Brown, with short hair, a grey beard and glasses, with a blue top, blue coat and bag on his shoulder.

Image caption, Steve Brown has worked for the company for more than 30 years

Steve Brown described the final van rolling off the assembly line as a “sad, sad day,” but added that the atmosphere was “excellent.” “I’ve done 34 years, but life moves on, and so will we. We’ve had a terrific time with the people and the firm.”
Josh Scrutton standing outside with a coat on, with the hood over his head, with a small goatee beard.

Josh Scrutton stated he was going to miss the bonuses that the company gave out. Josh Scrutton said he would miss his pay stub the most because he had worked for the company for roughly two years and stated it was “good pay”. “This is the best job I’ve had. Everyone was waiting for the last van to arrive, so they all stayed,” he stated. Muhammad Basharat, who had worked at the factory for 24 years, said it was “very sad” and that he was now seeking for job in the construction industry.
Muhammad Basharat standing outside wearing a high-vis jacket, with a long beard and short hair.
Muhammad Basharat worked his final shift on Friday. Iftikhar Raja noted that there was “a lot of history and memories here”. The former quality controller stated that he had been with the company for five years and “there were just no words”. He stated that his employment provided for his family and that he had “learnt a lot,” but he had no idea what lay ahead for him.

The outside of the Vauxhall factory in Luton, showing a large building, blue gates and fencing.

Iftikhar Raja began working at Vauxhall’s plant on the building line. The company began manufacturing vehicles in 1903 and relocated to a new industrial park in Luton in 1905. General Motors announced in 2000 that the vehicle manufacturing in Luton will close, and the plant closed in 2002, resulting in the loss of approximately 1,900 jobs. Luton Borough Council recently showed interest in purchasing the land used for the van-making factory, but said it was unsuccessful.

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