VAUXHALL’S workforce and unions have been praised for their ‘massive contribution’ towards saving the Ellesmere Port plant.

The company ended months of conjecture and concern this morning by announcing that the Astra would continue to be produced at the Cheshire factory - with the creation of 700 jobs.  

Cheshire West and Chester Council Leader, Mike Jones, said: “Absolutely wonderful news and a great tribute to the workforce that has both led Europe with its efficiency levels and also embraced new working practices to bring success.  

“There is absolutely no doubt about it - the contribution from unions and workforce has been massive.”   “We have been shouting loud and long about Ellesmere Port’s many attractions for industry and commerce. The big names are beginning to listen and I am confident there will be more to come.”  

Vauxhall’s faith in the Ellesmere Port plant will extend the town’s fifty-year partnership with the automotive industry – boosted recently by Jaguar Land Rover‘s plans for of a new logistics centre nearby.   

Jaguar Land Rover, outdoor and leisure clothing specialists, Regatta and a Marks and Spencer superstore will create around 800-plus jobs in the town.  

“This is one of the best bits of news Ellesmere Port has had in years,” said Opposition Leader and Ellesmere Port councillor Justin Madders.   

“Not just keeping the plant open but increasing production means more jobs for the area and a significant period of security for the existing workforce.”  

The Ellesmere Port plant’s success story had made it an obvious candidate for investment – “down to Unions and Management working constructively together”.  

Cllr Madders added: “What better way to celebrate Vauxhall’s 50th year in the Port than to look forward to the plant continuing for many years to come.”  

Robert Mee, Chairman of the Ellesmere Port Development Board, said: “This is tremendous news for the town, coming together with the great news last week about Jaguar Land Rover.  “We will do all we can to build on this success and hopefully persuade parts manufacturers and suppliers to move to Ellesmere Port in order to work closer and more efficiently with these great companies.”  

Mr Mee added: “No-one should underestimate the part played by workers and unions in this tremendous success story, which involves a substantial inward investment of £125 million.”