Metals factory to close with loss of 161 jobs

Many Melton Mowbray residents have ties to the Holwell site, its owner said

A metals factory in Leicestershire is to close with the loss of 161 jobs, it has been confirmed.

The Holwell foundry, in Melton Mowbray, dates back to 1881 and manufactures access covers and gratings for the water and sewage industry.

In March, owner Saint-Gobain PAM UK confirmed a consultation on the proposal to shut the factory was under way and this has now been completed.

The company said it planned to move production of drain covers to a more efficient site in France by the end of 2024.

The company said the decision was part of its mission to be carbon neutral by 2050.

Alan Gwilliam, managing director of Saint-Gobain PAM UK, confirmed the closure "with great sadness", adding that the company intended to "mark the closure in a respectful way that recognises the long history and heritage of the Holwell site and the role it has played in the local community.”

He added: "Our transition plans are under way and we anticipate that the first phase of the transfer will involve colleagues starting to leave the business at the end of September.

"We will continue to support our colleagues throughout this process and are actively assisting them with applications for vacancies within other parts of the Saint-Gobain group as well as within PAM."

Mr Gwilliam confirmed the company would be providing a series of workshops in collaboration with the local job centre that will include information about benefits, CV writing and retraining.

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