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BBC News, Norfolk – Luxury sports car manufacturer Lotus is set to lay off 550 employees at its headquarters in Norfolk, according to reports. The company, located in Hethel near Wymondham, had previously dismissed rumors of shutting down its factory to establish a new one in the United States. Earlier in June, they stated that they were “actively exploring options in the global market” while emphasizing their commitment to the UK.
Confirming the job cuts, Lotus cited a review of their business objectives aligned with the current market conditions as the reason behind the decision. They emphasized the necessity of these actions to ensure the company’s sustainability amidst the rapidly changing automotive landscape and global policies affecting tariffs. Despite the layoffs, Lotus reiterated their dedication to the UK, with Norfolk remaining the hub for their sports car production, motorsports, and engineering consulting operations.
The brand also highlighted their intent to diversify their business model through exploring growth opportunities, including third-party manufacturing. Currently, Lotus employs around 1,300 individuals at their site. South Norfolk Council expressed their commitment to supporting the affected workers, with the council leader, Daniel Elmer, assuring that measures would be put in place to assist those losing their jobs. He also mentioned ongoing discussions with the county council and the government to secure the future of the renowned brand in the region.
Founded by engineer Colin Chapman in the early 1950s and relocating to Hethel in the 1960s, Lotus has been a significant player in the luxury sports car industry. Labour MP for South Norfolk, Ben Goldsborough, described the layoffs as a “very bad day” for the county but acknowledged that the situation could have been worse had a complete closure of Lotus UK occurred. He empathized with the employees facing this news, emphasizing the impact of the job losses within the community
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