Crewe car plant workers 'stunned' as Bentley set to axe 275 jobs
"These cuts have come out of the blue"
Bentley's Crewe factory(Image: Nathan Stirk, Getty Images)
Workers at the Bentley factory in Crewe have been left "stunned" after the luxury carmaker announced that up to 275 jobs are at risk. Bentley made the announcement earlier today as it reported a seventh straight year of profitability.
Despite this, the iconic carmarker could cut up to 275 roles "as part of its ongoing focus on long-term competitiveness and operational efficiency". The move will affect management, agency and non-manufacturing employees.
A union boss says workers at Bentley's headquarters on Pyms Lane in Crewe are "stunned" by the news. Bentley says the proposed cuts come as "the business prepares for its next phase of electrification and future product launches".
Bentley CEO and chairman, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, said: "We are investing at unprecedented levels in the Pyms Lane site, including the Design Centre, opened in July last year, the near completion of the A1 building for BEV production, and the upcoming opening of the new Paint Shop later this year.
"At the same time, we are making some difficult decisions to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the business, including an organisational adjustment potentially impacting approximately 275 positions. I want to express my sincere appreciation to those affected - we are committed to supporting each individual with care, guidance and assistance throughout this transition.
"These actions, alongside our investments and Beyond100+ strategy, ensure Bentley remains financially resilient, strategically focused and well-positioned for the next generation of luxury vehicles."
Karen Lewis, GMB Organiser, said: "These cuts have come out of the blue and the workforce is stunned. Trump's tariff's have hit Bentley hard and the company is still feeling the affects of the Covid lockdown. GMB will stand side by side with members in Bentley to ensure the minimum redundancies and the maximum pay outs."
Bentley reiterated its long-term commitment to UK manufacturing in the announcement, confirming that work continues on the transformation of the carbon-neutral Pyms Lane factory and the infrastructure required for BEV production. Progress remains ongoing on the conversion of the site’s oldest building, A1, which will become the future BEV assembly line.