Norfolk Jobs Secured: Lotus Confirms Hethel Plant Stays Open

Lotus has allayed fears about the future of its Norfolk factory, assuring UK Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds that it will not be closing its Hethel plant. The clarification follows widespread concern that the iconic British sports car manufacturer, under Chinese ownership by Geely, was contemplating a shift in production to the United States. Such a move would have put 1,300 jobs in the UK at risk and been a significant blow to the nation’s automotive sector.
The high-stakes meeting on Sunday saw Reynolds press Lotus and Geely bosses for clarity on their intentions. According to a Department for Business and Trade spokesperson, management conveyed their “commitment to their UK operations” and explicitly stated “no plans to close their Hethel plant.” This reassurance comes as Lotus prepares to restart production, benefiting from a forthcoming reduction in US tariffs on car imports.
While Lotus acknowledged exploring “strategic options to enhance efficiency and ensure global competitiveness,” the company emphasized the UK’s pivotal role in the brand. The Hethel factory, Lotus’s sole UK site, is capable of producing up to 5,000 Emira sports cars annually, with a substantial portion destined for the American market. The site also produces an electric hypercar in limited quantities.
The news provides a sigh of relief for the local economy and skilled workforce in South Norfolk, as expressed by Labour MP Ben Goldsborough, who had voiced “deep concern” over the rumors. The government, keen to support the automotive industry, has highlighted its commitment through measures like energy cost reductions and substantial funding for capital and R&D.