December 9, 2011 News The following article was first published on the SMMT website on Friday 9th December 2011 Over the past 18 months, Vauxhall Motors has awarded more than €230m worth of contracts to UK suppliers, making a significant contribution to the UK economy, securing higher revenue, export value and employment within the automotive sector. Suppliers across the UK have been awarded contracts on the basis of quality, service, technology and price. The new business includes supply to Vauxhall’s two UK plants in Ellesmere Port, Cheshire, and Luton, Bedfordshire, as well as export to General Motors (GM) divisions across the globe. In line with the Automotive Council’s strategy to ensure the long term strategic development of the UK automotive industry with a particular focus on the supply chain, Vauxhall/GM is committed to identifying and promoting sourcing opportunities in the UK. Bill Parfitt, Chairman of GM UK and Vauxhall Motors and also the first Chairman of the Automotive Council’s Supply Chain Group, said, “Vauxhall is keen to build on the momentum and push for new business with UK suppliers to the benefit of local economies and GM globally who are now increasingly aware of the great potential that resides in the UK.” One example of Vauxhall Motors’ investment is with Cobra UK in Wales. From its factory in Welshpool, Powys, Cobra UK has won a number of contracts to supply components for Vauxhall’s Ellesmere Port plant and other GM facilities around the world. This led to Cobra UK being awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise this year in recognition of its export achievements. A flourishing UK supply base is fundamental to the future success of the wider automotive industry. Click through to read about how SMMT is strengthening the supply chain. Find out about other high-profile announcements from UK automotive companies regarding investment, expansion, new models and employment. Visit the Automotive Council website to find out more about the aims and objectives of the Supply Chain Group.
