Filtration specialist Mann+Hummel (Ludwigsburg / Germany; www.mann-hummel.com) has confirmed plans to shut down its UK production facility in Wolverhampton with the loss of 230 jobs. The decision to close the plant followed a review of Mann+Hummel’s global operations. Manufacturing will cease at Wolverhampton by the end of 2022, and the firm’s activities will then be carried out within the European Union.

Marco Heck, senior vice president operations Europe, automotive systems, said following a downturn in volume in the automotive market, the Wolverhampton plant was no longer competitive, despite efforts to turn the situation around. “We know that the decision to close the plant will be more than difficult for our employees, and we are committed to work in close cooperation with our negotiation partners,” he added.

Mann+Hummel reported turnover of EUR 4.2 bn in 2019 – a company record – while operating profit rose 64% to EUR 153.3m (see Plasteurope.com of 18.06.2020).