Switch Mobility UK looking at possible cessation of operations at Sherburn facility, says Ashok Leyland
Switch Mobility UK looking at possible cessation of operations at Sherburn facility, says Ashok Leyland
Commercial vehicle maker Ashok Leyland on March 26 said the board of its arm Switch Mobility Ltd, UK has approved commencement of consultation process with employees for a potential cessation of manufacturing and assembly activities at its Sherburn facility.
Switch Mobility Ltd, UK is a stepdown subsidiary of Ashok Leyland. It is a manufacturer of electric buses having presence across the UK and Europe.
“In the wake of continuing general economic uncertainty within the overall bus manufacturing sector in the UK and consequent inability to derive the benefits of scale, the Board of Directors of Switch UK today approved commencement of consultation process with the employees which could potentially lead to cessation of its manufacturing and assembly activities at its Sherburn facility,” Ashok Leyland said in a stock exchange filing.
Switch UK has no plans to exit the UK market. It will execute and complete all the orders on hand and will continue to provide aftermarket and service support from two other facilities in Rotherham and Thurrock for the existing vehicle parc, the filing added.
In a separate filing, Ashok Leyland refuted reports stating that it might be close to acquiring the promoter’s stake in SML Isuzu.
“The company would like to outrightly deny this news as factually incorrect,” Ashok Leyland said.
Regarding estimated time of closure of the Sherburn facility, Ashok Leyland said it “cannot be estimated now since it is subject to various internal and external processes / approvals”.
On March 26, Ashok Leyland shares on BSE closed 2% higher at Rs 214.4 apiece.
