Stellantis announces closure of Luton plant

Stellantis has announced its plans of closing the Kimpton Road site, in Luton, in November 2025.

The workers, part of the Unite union, previously protested against the closure of the plant in December 2024.

Sharon Graham, general secretary at Unite, said: “Stellantis’ betrayal of its Luton workforce, who have delivered every target asked of them, is a total disgrace.

“Once again, UK workers have been exposed to a company willing to sacrifice our manufacturing base for fleeting gains – this has to change. 

“We urgently need an industrial strategy that puts the national interest at the heart of decision making in manufacturing, as they do in other countries.”

A spokesperson from Stellantis said: “Stellantis confirms its plan to invest £50m to strengthen the Ellesmere Port plant as its UK commercial vehicle hub, demonstrating both its commitment and long-term sustainability to UK production. 

“Stellantis is the UK’s only volume manufacturer of light commercial vehicles (LCVs).

“The required consultation period with Unite the Union, which has been detailed and constructive, has now finished and we are engaging with all interested parties to ensure that the employees have the best possible advice for their future. 

“These employees are our priority and we will continue to act responsibly towards those in Luton.

“Our focus will now be to work closely with the Trade Union to support employees who may be impacted.

“This will include financial support, relocation support for those who wish to transition to Ellesmere Port and onsite support activities, such as job fairs, CV writing, retraining support and wellness sessions.

“The production of the group’s all-electric small LCV range (eK9) and the medium all-electric LCV range (eK0), all in right-hand drive, will be combined at Ellesmere Port.

“Production will cease in Luton in Q2 2025, with a period of transforming and transferring machinery and process knowledge to Ellesmere Port. 

“Production of the group’s medium all-electric LCV range (eK0) in Ellesmere Port will commence in Q4 2026.”