Brush Loughborough closure a "crushing blow"

Unions have described plans to close the historic Brush works in Loughborough as a "crushing blow" to the workforce and the area.

Loughborough’s historic Brush Traction locomotive manufacturing site employs around 300 people. 

Brush Traction is owned by American rail company Wabtec, which said in a statement:

"Last week, Wabtec announced its intention to close its manufacturing operations at its Brush Traction facility in Loughborough. The proposed closure is subject to consultation. Decisions like this are never easy but over the past few years, our site has experienced reduced volume and this decrease is no longer sustainable. This decision will help to simplify and optimize the company's manufacturing footprint in today's cyclical environment, as well as better position Wabtec for success.  The company remains fully committed to all customer commitments and providing impacted employees with resources and benefits to manage the transition."

Unite the Union has more than 100 members at the Loughborough factory and is in consultation with Brush Traction management over the proposed redundancies. 

The iconic plant, known locally as the ‘Falcon Works’, was established in 1865 to build steam locomotives. 

Unite regional officer Lakhy Mahal said: “Wabtec’s announcement that it is planning to shut the historic Falcon Works is a crushing blow to the workforce and to the local area.  

“Unite is in consultation with the company and is fighting to ensure that our members are offered alternative employment at other sites, if that is what they want. 

“If it isn’t, we will be negotiating for them to receive the best redundancy packages possible.

“Unite will also be putting together a programme of support for members to help them navigate what is an extremely difficult time.”