Big job loss feared at Hutt car factory

Press, 27 January 1986, Page 26

Big job loss feared at Hutt car factory

PA Wellington Coachworkers say nearly 500 jobs may be on the line at the Ford Motor Company’s assembly plant at Seaview, Lower Hutt.

A decision on the fate of the plant could be imminent, according to a Wellington newspaper report. A company study of future options had been completed and was now with head office In Detroit.

Ford might close its Seaview plant and move to its factory at Wlri, Auckland, the report said.

Such a move would have severe consequences, said the president of the Hutt Valley Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mr lan Macfarlane.

A Ford spokesman, Mr Russell Scoular, said a decision on the plant had not yet been made.

“I wouldn’t like to hazard a guess as to when it will be made,” he said.

He confirmed that the company. was studying various options. The Coachworkers’ Union secretary, Mr Graeme Clarke, said he believed a decision was imminent

“If it’s a good decision it’s likely to be in February. If it’s a bad decision it will probably be later.”

Mr Clark said the Coachworkers’ Union had about 270 members working on the shop floor at Seaview, slightly more than half the plant’s staff.

It is believed the Seaview study has evaluated three options: Ford could close at Seaview completely and move to Auckland; it could sell part of its Seaview plant but continue to assemble commercial vehicles; or the

Seaview plant could be« improved and continue with passenger and commercial vehicle assembly. The Wellington Re- ’’ gional Chambers of Commerce are worried about * the possible closing of the Ford factory, and plan steps to try to halt theremoval of companies' from the district

“As advocates of the free enterprise system, we have to accept that com- - panies must be free to 1 -' make their own deci- - sions,” said the chambers’ secretary, Mr John Ewan. "

"We would regret see-? ing any company deciding j to relocate outside the area.

“We will meet in early i! February to look at posttive proposals to attract» and retain businesses,” ~ Mr Ewan said.