Dutch manufacturer switches to the UK

In an effort to reduce its cost base, Netherlands-based luxury sports carmaker Spyker Cars is to switch its assembly plant from Holland to Britain.The company, which makes around 50 cars annually, will now produce its models in Whitley, Coventry, from the end of the year. Spyker hopes that the move will achieve considerable improvements both in terms of efficiency and cost reductions as it moves its assembly to the site of its main parts supplier.Chief executive of the firm, Victor Muller, outlined that the challenging nature of the existing economy had made the company look at ways to reduce costs and improve efficiency. With approximately half of the vehicles’ parts and components sourced in the UK, and nearly all key suppliers located there, moving closer was the best step towards both tangible efficiency improvements and substantial savings.Jobs in the Netherlands will be affected, but, according to Muller, the move was necessary and is in the best interests of the company and its stakeholders.The move was welcomed by Paul Everitt, the chief executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT). He said that the UK has more specialist car manufacturers than any other European country and the skills and expertise to support further development. He described the move as “good news” for the UK automotive industry.

No Comments Yet