General Motors has confirmed it will continue to make cars at the Ellesmere Port car manufacturing plant.

GM Europe said its popular compact Astra make would be made in four countries across Europe from 2010. As well as the Merseyside factory, plants in Poland, Germany and Sweden will also make the Astra brand which sold nearly 500,000 units last year.

The move will result in the loss of around 1400 jobs in Antwerp, Belgium, but GM Europe has insisted it must make efficiencies in order to remain competitive in a highly-stretched market.

Tony Woodley, general secretary of the Transport and General Workers Union, welcomed the news. “This is good news for Ellesmere Port and good news for Merseyside as well as being a boost for the car industry in the UK after too many disappointments,” he said.

(this article was taken from themanufacturer.com)

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