Historic Brush Traction factory in Loughborough set to close

Locomotives have been manufactured at the site for more than 150 years

A factory that has manufactured locomotives for more than 150 years is set to close, putting 300 jobs at risk.

Employees at the Brush Traction site, in Meadow Lane, Loughborough, Leicestershire, build, overhaul and repair railway locomotives.

American owners Wabtec said reduced volumes had made the site "unsustainable".

The Unite union said the move was a "crushing blow" for the workforce and local area.

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The plant, known locally as the Falcon Works, was established in 1865 to build steam locomotives. Wabtec took charge in 2011.

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.

"[Employees] have been working there for over 30 years, they've given their life to the place. It's terrible news.

"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."

Unite said it was an "extremely difficult time" for the workforce

Jane Hunt, MP for Loughborough, said she had been trying to support staff whose jobs were under threat by helping to find jobs for them at similar businesses in Leicestershire.

She said: "It is desperately sad for Loughborough what has happened. I am very, very disappointed."

A Wabtec spokesperson said: "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."

It added the proposed closure would be subject to consultation.

It is understood the Loughborough site could close by the end of the year with work being transferred to Burton-upon-Trent, Doncaster and Liverpool.