SKF announce closure of Luton factory
Three hundred jobs at risk as company proposes to consolidate manufacturing in Europe
SKF have announced plans to close their factory in Luton as part of a consolidation of spherical roller bearing manufacturing to secure long-term competitiveness in European markets.
The Group says consolidation is in line with its strategy to invest in automation and regionalization, and accordingly right size its manufacturing operations in Europe.
Manufacturing at the site in Luton would be ramped down, with full closure anticipated by the end of 2024. Production is proposed to be moved to SKF’s factory in Poznan, Poland.
Aldo Cedrone, acting president, industrial region Europe Middle East and Africa, said: ‘Although it is a difficult decision to make, this is an important step in securing our long-term competitiveness in European markets.
‘To ensure that our spherical roller bearing production stays competitive, investments are needed in new machinery and our evaluation showed Poznan is the optimum site for this. Our immediate focus is to support our colleagues in Luton.’
The Luton factory currently employs approximately 300 people. The proposed activities are subject to consultation with employees and union representatives and SKF say they are fully committed to engaging with both throughout the consultation process.
