NSK-RHP proposes closing Ferrybridge plant

A state of uncertainty pervades NSK-RHP`s Ferrybridge factory in West Yorkshire, which faces the loss of 430 jobs if a proposal to close the factory goes ahead.

John McAndrew, managing director of NSK-RHP`s European bearings division, was reported as saying that transferring production to other sites will reduce costs and allow the company to compete more effectively.

But McAndrew told Drives & Controls that the Ferrybridge closure "is currently only a proposal while we negotiate with the unions for the statutory 90-day period."

Any savings to come from the proposed closure will result from "the absence of overheads at the Ferrybridge site and not material or labour costs," McAndrew continued, "as production volume will not be reduced and staff will be encouraged to relocate or will be supported in a move outside the company."

Ferrybridge manufactures Self-Lube inserts, water pump spindles and clutch release bearings. "What we are doing is trying to transfer employees to water pump manufacturing at Peterlee in County Durham, and Self-Lube manufacturing at Newark in Nottinghamshire," McAndrew added.

"Until the negotiations with the unions are over, we don`t know how many employees will opt for redundancy, and the cost involved."