Russell George MS – the Shadow Minister for Business, Economy, and Infrastructure – has expressed his disappointment today of the announcement by INEOS Automotive that it is suspending work on the site in Bridgend where it had planned to assemble the Grenadier 4x4.
In a statement on the company’s website, INEOS Automotive cited over-capacity in the automotive sector brought on by Covid-19.
Mr George said:
“This will come as bitterly disappointing news for the Bridgend and South Wales, especially as it’s less than a week since the Grenadier was unveiled.”
INEOS reports that it is eyeing up an existing plant in Hambach, France, where Mercedes-Benz assembles its Smart vehicles. INEOS expects to complete this review of its options in the next few weeks.
Mr George added:
“Covid, as INEOS stated, has had a massively detrimental effect on industry as we have seen. However, no decision has yet been made, and I look forward to hearing what the Welsh Government will do to press the case for the plant to remain in Bridgend.”
Image courtesy and copyright of INEOS Automotive.