Toyota Suspends Work On New Deeside Production Line

[auris2008]

http://www.dailypost.co.uk/business-news/b...55578-22481916/

Toyota suspends work on new Deeside production line

Dec 15 2008 By David jones

TOYOTA is suspending work on its new £88m production line at its Deeside engine plant as the downturn in demand for cars continues to squeeze manufacturers.

The Japanese-owned company had announcedthe massive investment at the site in March this year - taking total investment at the site to close to a staggering £800m.

The company said at the time that it was introducing a new small petrol engine at the Deeside Industrial Park plant - safeguarding the jobs of around 700 workers there.

The line is intended to make new 1.3 litre engines for Toyota’s Auris car assembled at its Burnaston plant in Derbyshire.

But yesterday Toyota revealed that it was freezing all work on the new NR engine line at Deeside - although no permanent staff are being laid off. Instead some employees who would have been working on the new production line are being switched to other duties at the site.

A company spokesman said: "Due to the continuing difficult market conditions resulting from the global economic downturn, Toyota Motor Corporation is reviewing all investment decisions.

"This review affects the current NR engine project, which we announced last March, at our engine plant in Deeside. Whilst the review is on going, we will be suspending all NR project activity.

"Employees involved in the NR project will carry out quality improvement activities during this period, allowing us to maintain our commitment to long-term stable employment and superior quality for our customers.

"Our employees understand the importance of maintaining flexibility and we appreciate their continued support and commitment during these challenging times."

In September Toyota the company announced a cutback in its UK output and the loss of some temporary jobs at Burnaston due to the economic downturn, but it said it was making no changes to either manning or production levels at its Welsh site.