Brexit: Maker of decorative Aluminium trims for auto industry “Northern Automotive Systems” to lay-off 130 employees

The British firm Northern Automotive Systems Limited has confirmed the news of reduction of 130 staffs at its plant in Gilwern by the end of the year.

The impact of Brexit on the firm’s operations at its only facility in the UK is forcing the organization to shrink its 280 strong workforces down to 150, as a measure of high cost-cutting.

The facility produces decorative aluminium trim for the automotive industry, was positioned at risk in October, however, it is understood more than half of those took voluntary redundancy.

NBHX Trim Group, which owns the company, said: “We are carrying out a restructure as we aim to become more attractive to customers and economically more stable.”

A spokesman for the Gilwern site said: “In response to changing conditions and customer requirements, Northern Automotive Systems Limited has recently finalised a restructure of its manufacturing operation at Gilwern, Abergavenny, intending to become more attractive to UK-based customers and secure as many UK jobs as possible in the long term.”

“We are disappointed to be losing the skills and experience of 130 people from our business by the end of 2020.”

“This is part of a Europe-wide reorganisation by the NBHX Trim Group with the market shifts created by Brexit as a contributing factor for the restructuring.”

A spokesman for NBHX said the main reason for the redundancies is “due to the considerable financial losses made by the plant in recent years, and as the market shifts created by Brexit resulting as a contributing factor for NBHX decision-makers."

Nick Ramsay, MS for Monmouth, said: “Northern Automotive has been an important employer in Gilwern and north Monmouthshire for many years and this news will come as a devastating blow to their workforce.”

"It is deeply worrying news for the local economy. I’m calling on the Welsh Government to give companies like this, and their employees, all available support during this challenging period as the UK prepares to leave the European Union – hopefully with a deal.”