Robert Sturdy fights to save Cambs engineering works
Robert Sturdy and Andrew Lansley, Shadow Secretary of Health and South East Cambridgeshire MP, have joined forces to protest against proposed closure of engineering works.
The story has been highlighted in today’s Cambridge News:
MPs ready to fight to keep parts plant open
TWO senior Conservatives have vowed to fight plans to close a Cambridgeshire engineering works.
ThyssenKrupp Tallent at Bourn has been earmarked for closure – with 350 people set to lose their jobs.
Work at the plant, which makes parts for the car industry, will be switched to other locations in the UK.
Andrew Lansley, MP for South Cambridgeshire, has joined forces with Cambridgeshirebased Euro MP Robert Sturdy to protest about the decision.
Mr Lansley said he had written to the chief executive of ThyssenKrupp, pledging to campaign against the closure.
He added: “Not only would the closure of the TKA Tallent Bourn plant ensure the loss of 313 permanent and over 50 temporary staff, but it would close a business that has proved itself productive, profitable and more efficient than other TKA sites”.
Mr Lansley said a performance test carried out by the company had given the Bourn plant a higher rating than other sites operated by the firm. Union officials also claim the plant would remain profitable for the next three to four years, he said.
“When staff at the Bourn site have proved themselves to be hardworking and capable, it is puzzling why ThyssenKrupp would want to outsource these functions to plants that are less experienced and efficient,” Mr Lansley said.
“I have written to the chief executive of ThyssenKrupp to urge him to review his stance and I will continue to campaign for this decision to be reversed.”
Mr Sturdy added: “As far as I am concerned this is an illogical decision, the plant is producing quality products efficiently and profitably.
“It is a real tragedy that even present and future success is no guarantee of survival in this economic climate. I will be doing all I can in lobbying for this decision to be overturned.”
