THE 100,000th Astra Sports Tourer rolled off the production line at Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant last week.
Celebrations to mark the popular estate car’s landmark were attended by Ellesmere Port mayor Angela Claydon, Cllr Paul Donovan and representatives of the Unite union.
The decision to make the new design estate there was credited with saving the plant from closure.
Now the factory, which produces 47 Sports Tourers an hour, has put on extra shifts to meet demand from European markets and further afield. The cars are being exported across the European mainland and even to countries such as Chile, Israel and South Africa.
The plant’s longest-serving employee, John Cooper, was given the honour of driving the milestone car off the production line.
Mr Cooper, a union official who has worked at the plant since 1967, said: “I am extremely proud and honoured to be chosen to accompany our 100,000th Sports Tourer as it leaves our plant and presents itself to the world.
“It is a great car with a confident and elegant ride and great looks.
“I am looking forward to sending many more to future Vauxhall customers and customers all over the world.”
Tony Francavilla, director of the plant, added: “My particular thanks go to all employees who, like John, perpetuate the plant’s success story year after year by building world-class cars, paving its way into the future.”
