Will the Lotus factory close? British jobs are at risk

Rumors about the possible closure of Lotus, one of Britain’s most renowned car manufacturers, have caused serious concern — not only among local residents but also among car industry enthusiasts across the country.

In recent days, various reports have emerged regarding the future of the Lotus factory located in Norfolk, where more than 1,300 employees work. In particular, the media have discussed a potential decision by the company’s Chinese owner, Geely, to halt the factory’s operations.

Following this, the UK’s Secretary of State for Business and Trade, Jonathan Reynolds, met with Geely executives to assess the situation personally. According to him, the company has no plans to close the plant, and he stated that he felt “reassured.”

However, this reassurance is not sufficient for everyone. Kay Mason Billig, the Conservative leader of Norfolk County Council, described the situation as serious and demanded a formal written guarantee from Geely. She emphasized that the loss of such a large manufacturing facility would have severe consequences for the region.

“Lotus is not just a car manufacturer, it is part of Norfolk’s identity. When people hear ‘Lotus,’ they think of this region. We simply cannot afford to lose this plant,” she told the BBC.

Her call was supported by the South Norfolk District Council and the Norfolk Business Board, who submitted a letter to Jonathan Reynolds requesting that he secure a written commitment from Geely to keep Lotus in the UK.

Government strategy under fire
The letter also criticized the UK government’s recently announced Modern Industrial Strategy.

The program, presented by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, was introduced as a “10-year plan to drive investment into high-growth sectors.” However, the letter stated that the strategy is mainly focused on large cities, the North, and the Midlands, while Norfolk’s potential has been overlooked.

Nova Fairbank, CEO of the Norfolk Chambers of Commerce, echoed this concern, saying:

“Cambridge has been so successful that people don’t look beyond it. We too have enormous potential, and our region is ready for economic growth.”

Lotus – more than a manufacturer
In its latest public statement, Lotus reaffirmed that it has no intention of closing the Hethel plant.

Still, without a written guarantee, not only local leaders but also employees, entrepreneurs, and residents remain uneasy.

The Hethel facility is recognized as a hub of automotive engineering and innovation not just in Norfolk but throughout the UK. The electric vehicle technology that Lotus plans to develop is also seen as a vital contribution to the country’s green energy goals. Read 'Zamin' on Telegram!