Unite seeking urgent meeting as GKN Birmingham factory is earmarked for closure

Unite, the UK’s leading union, is seeking urgent meetings in order to understand the business case which underpins the announcement today (Thursday 28 January) that GKN is set to close its Chester Road factory in Birmingham.

The company has said that the factory, which produces drivelines, principally for JLR and other automotive companies, will close in 18 months time. The factory currently employs over 500 workers.

Since 2018, GKN has been owned by venture capitalists Melrose.

The factory, which employs a highly skilled workforce, is extremely viable. It is understood that if the factory closes the work will be transferred to factories in Europe.

Unite national officer Des Quinn said: “The workforce have been left shocked and angry to learn that management is looking to close this highly viable site.

“Unite is now seeking urgent meetings with senior management at GKN to understand the business case and the logic behind this decision.

“Unite is committed to working with GKN to find a feasible solution, which will keep the factory open and preserve the jobs of this highly skilled workforce.

The Chester Road site is in the Erdington area of Birmingham.