Kevin Reacts To Jaguar Land Rover News

Kevin briefed as Company announces plans to Merge 2 Midlands Factories and for future of Coventry Wood Veneer Plant

24th September 2009

Cllr Kevin Foster, Conservative Parliamentary Spokesman for Coventry South, has today (24th September 2009) reacted to the news that Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) will be closing a plant in the midlands and making other changes to cut costs.

Kevin was contacted earlier today by the company as it revealed long-term plans to merge the Castle Bromwich and Solihull plants in the middle of the next decade whilst also committing that there will be no short-term job losses as a result of this. The company has also announced that it believes the future of its VMC (Wood Veneer) Plant at Browns Lane in Coventry lies outside the JLR Group. In addition JLR is consulting staff on plans to close its final salary pension scheme to new members.

Kevin also received reassurances that the company is committed to the Whitley site for the long term and that engineering, power train and engine testing will remain at the site. Whilst some product development work will move to JLR's site at Gaydon, other corporate staff will move to Whitley. JLR has assured Kevin that this will result in a similar level of overall employment at Whitley.

Earlier this year Kevin backed the campaign to Save Jaguar Land Rover due to the key role the company plays in Coventry's economy. He spent several weekends on the streets collecting signatures for a Petition to help Jaguar that was organised by a local newspaper.

Kevin, whose Council ward includes Jaguar's Whitley site, said: Reacting to the news Cllr Kevin Foster: "I am relieved to hear Jaguar's commitment not to make compulsory redundancies, as well as it's long-term commitment to the Whitley site that supports thousands of jobs and ensures Coventry is at the cutting edge of high technology."

"Yet, there are many Coventry workers at Castle Bromwich and Solihull as well as at the many other companies reliant on Jaguar Land Rover for their future who will be worried by this announcement. Likewise the news that the future of the Wood Veneer Plant lies outside the JLR Group will also cause some concern. Whilst I appreciate being briefed about the news this morning I will be seeking a meeting to fully understand the potential impact on Coventry and to underline my continuing commitment to ensuring that the big cat stays at the heart of our city."