Toyota’s Derbyshire plant in Burnaston is NOT closing

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Referring to previous reports on the closure of Toyota’s Burnaston plant, Tony Walker, the new deputy managing director at the Burnaston plant, made it clear that the plant was not closing and vowed that the firm will remain in Derbyshire for the long term.

Recently being hit by the current economic climate, Toyota’s Burnaston plant slashed production, cut hours by 10% and holds non-production weeks and is considering whether to introduce a 25% pay cut.

The Derbyshire new deputy managing director said that although Toyota could not continue to operate at a loss, he was confident that it could turn around its fortunes.

Mr Walker said he was confident that the firm will get good productivity from its employees and that Toyota will remain in Burnaston for a long time to come.

"We have a flexible and highly-skilled workforce and, through the downturn, the plant has been able to provide training and refine its working processes that helps put us in the best possible position for the upturn."

Mr Walker said Burnaston was now focused on preparing for the production of the hybrid Auris in June, which is powered by both petrol and electricity.

The Derbyshire new deputy managing director also added, “At Easter we will be having two non-production weeks. A combination of the ending of the scrappage scheme and the cold winter weather affecting sales are the reasons for this."