Safeguard pressings plant jobs

From the Swindon Advertiser, first published Wednesday 1st Oct 2003.

OVER the years we have run many stories following the threat of job losses at Swindon Pressings.

Time after time the workers have been reassured that their jobs are safe through the turbulent ups and downs of the British motor industry. Just three years ago there was speculation that the plant might close for good. And Rover was bought out by a management consortium which led to Swindon Pressings getting the contract for panels for the Mini.

Now the head of the firm, Bob Bolam has denied rumours of mass redundancies at the plant where 2,200 people are employed. But he cannot now rule out job losses over the next three years as the car industry is once more unpredictable in this country. This is the first time since the takeover that the firm has admitted jobs cannot be categorically safe.

It is good news that BMW has renewed its big contract. But the bad news is that other smaller contracts will be coming to an end over the next three years and may not be renewed.

Mr Bolam wants to send a clear message that the plant is safe and faces long-term business.

Let us hope he can keep all the balls up in the air and safeguard jobs for Swindon people for many years to come. We wish Mr Bolam and all his staff all the best for their future.

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