NSK Peterlee closures: Automotive components maker plans to shut factories, threatening 350 jobs

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Your help makes all of the distinction. Learn extra Japanese producer NSK plans to shut two County Durham factories, jeopardising round 350 jobs.

The Tokyo-based automotive components provider cited “persistent challenges within the profitability of regionally manufactured merchandise” for the proposed closures.

A session has begun with union representatives over proposals to stop manufacturing on the Peterlee websites.

These amenities, working by way of European subsidiaries NSK Bearings Europe and AKS Precision Name Europe, produce automobile bearings.

These parts are understood to be equipped to carmakers together with Volkswagen and Renault.

If the proposals proceed, the factories are anticipated to shut by March 2027.

<img src="https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/07/18/11/f34af44acd8d2d95fb9a9cd8a1a30924Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzUyOTIyMDYw-2.80588367.jpg" srcset="https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/07/18/11/f34af44acd8d2d95fb9a9cd8a1a30924Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzUyOTIyMDYw-2.80588367.jpg?quality=75&width=320&auto=webp 320w, https://static.independent.co.uk/2025/07/18/11/f34af44acd8d2d95fb9a9cd8a1a30924Y29udGVudHNlYXJjaGFwaSwxNzUyOTIyMDYw-2.80588367.jpg?quality=75&width=640&auto=webp 640w" loading="lazy" alt="Unite says the move is a ‘betrayal’ of workers in the region" class="sc-1mc30lb-0 ggpMaE inline-gallery-btn"/> open picture in gallery

Unite says the transfer is a ‘betrayal’ of staff within the area (PA Wire) NSK stated it can “implement all vital measures to help all circa 350 workers who could also be affected”.

The plans type a part of ongoing restructuring throughout European operations, in accordance with the enterprise.

It stated it was taking motion corresponding to withdrawing from unprofitable companies and reorganising manufacturing websites.

Commerce union Unite stated it was a “betrayal” by NSK of its workforce within the area.

Basic secretary Sharon Graham stated: “This can be a full betrayal by NSK of its County Durham workforce, who've damaged their backs hitting efficiency targets that they have been advised would preserve their factories secure.

“There's a viable enterprise case for holding these websites open and Unite will battle tooth and nail for that to occur.”

The commerce union stated automotive components suppliers have been being affected by the shift away from conventional engines and towards electrical autos.

However its nationwide officer Steve Bush confused that “bearings will nonetheless be wanted for automobiles lengthy after diesel and petrol engines have been phased out”.