Since GM’s decision to keep Opel, GM’s German arm has gone through similar planning and restructuring as GM did before its bankruptcy. Long term viability and cost cutting have been top priority.
At the end of last week, Opel and Vauxhall announced some of the most significant steps in reducing costs and downsizing since GM’s decision to keep the subsidiaries. Negotiations in Spain concluded with an agreement that is yet to be ratified, but it calls for the elimination of 900 jobs at the Zaragoza (Spain) manufacturing facility. Both management and unions in the area have worked hard to negotiate mutually acceptable terms and this represents a true milestone and turning point for Opel in that region. This news comes after GM’s announcement that it will provide Opel/Vauxhall €1.9 billion to fund the automakers’ restructuring efforts.
What’s more, the government of the United Kingdom has announced its approval of a €300 million loan guarantee for Opel. This comes after months of discussion with the UK and signifies important steps in negations with European governments. Political negotiations for loans with other countries continue, with GM hoping that they will result in similar progress. More as it happens.
We have GM’s full presser after the jump!
Major Progress for Opel/Vauxhall’s Viability Plan
2010-03-12
Rüsselsheim. Opel/Vauxhall today made significant progress in the implementation of its viability plan.
In Spain, local management and unions reached an agreement to implement the planned restructuring measures at the manufacturing plant in Zaragoza. The agreement, which still needs to be ratified, calls for a socially responsible reduction of 900 jobs in Spain.
In addition, this afternoon, the UK government announced a €300 million loan guarantee to help secure Opel/Vauxhall’s operations in Britain and the rest of Europe. The company has been in discussion with the British Government for many months and this very positive conclusion is an important step towards implementing Opel/Vauxhall’s pan-European viability plan. Discussions with governments in other European countries continue, and the company is hopeful to make similar progress.
“Today marks an important step for the future of Opel/Vauxhall,” said Nick Reilly, Opel/Vauxhall CEO. “This shows significant progress in our efforts to secure loan guarantees from European governments and to get support from our employee representatives. We very much appreciate the support of Lord Mandelson and the British Government which is a vote of confidence in our company. I’m also grateful for the Spanish government’s role in moderating the discussions between management and unions resulting in the important agreement reached early this morning.”