Jobs to go at car parts plant

Production is "cheaper in Romania", say managers

About 350 jobs could be lost at a car parts factory in Lancashire.

Managers at Garretts in Skelmersdale are planning to move the majority of the operation to Romania.

The firm's owners Honeywell said it needed to cut costs after a softening in the European car and truck markets.

It said about 120 engineering staff at the West Pimbo plant - which currently employs 500 people - would be kept on.

'Performed admirably'

Honeywell spokesman Michael Timmerman said workers at Garretts had been informed of the decision on Tuesday.

Mr Timmerman added: "The Skelmersdale plant has been in place for a long period of time.

"It's performed very admirably and this isn't a decision we would take lightly.

"But when we look at what we need to do to be as effective as possible it appears that the thing to do is to move production."

A 90-day consultation with unions will now take place.