Press Releases
Trade Secretary 'extremely disappointed' by Ryton decision
18th April 2006
(Source: DTI
)
Alan Johnson , the Secretary of State for Trade and Industry , issued the following statement today in response to the earlier announcement by PSA Peugeot Citroën that its plant at Ryton near Coventry would cease car production in 2007.
Whilst today's decision is a commercial matter for Peugeot, I am extremely disappointed that Peugeot has decided to end manufacturing at Ryton, particularly given the substantial quality and productivity improvements the workforce has delivered in recent years.
The DTI has done everything possible to encourage the company to continue manufacturing at Ryton. As recently as 2004 we offered a grant of £14.4 m towards the cost of developing the plant in order for it to deal with more than one model. We have also provided funds towards collaborative R&D projects involving Peugeot.
This news will cause great anxiety to employees and their families and to the local community. With our regional partners and Job Centre Plus, we will do everything we can to support those affected, be it at Ryton or in the supply chain, and to help them to find new employment or, where required, to retrain. We will be looking to Peugeot to assist us in this, including the exploration of options for the future use of the Ryton site.
Department of Trade and Industry
7th Floor
1 Victoria Street
London SW1H 0ET
Public Enquiries: +44 (0)20 7215 5000
Textphone: +44 (0)20 7215 6740
(for those with hearing impairment)
http://www.dti.gov.uk
Back to latest press releases
Archive
