THE UK's second best-selling car brand celebrated a significant milestone today as Vauxhall's new generation Astra began to roll off the production line at the Ellesmere Port plant, 36 years after the original.

Vauxhall's flagship model has always been one of Britain's most popular cars: more than 25% of British drivers have either owned or driven an Astra. Almost three million have been so since the car was first introduced in 1979.

The plant came close to closure in 2012 in the face of increasing European competition.

However, production of the all-new Astra has secured 2,000 jobs at Ellesmere Port until at least 2020, after the management, unions and workers joined forces to win the long-term Astra contract and £140 million investment from parent company GM.

At full capacity, the plant will build up to 680 cars per day and 120,000 per year. Over half the cars will be exported to 25 European markets.

Tim Tozer, chair and managing director of Vauxhall, told the Globe during today's launch: "It's a celebration, because it means 2,000 jobs have been secured.

"Three or four years ago, this plant was at risk of closure. But through the collective efforts of staff, management, unions and government, a plan was put in place to improve the competitiveness of the plant.

"Our plant in Europe closed, but this one stayed open. Since thenm investment has flowed into this factory and that's why we are proud now to be launching this new Astra."

Having built over five million vehicles since 1964, the factory has been a significant contributor to the wider economy and the continued investment at the facility is set to boost UK manufacturing, utilities, construction, transportation and storage companies by at least £70 million.

Among the staff celebrating today's unveiling was Graham Dyke, from Ellesmere Port.

He has been a Vauxhall employee for 31 years and leader of the plant's improvement team.

He told the Globe: "It's just been a breath of fresh air for the Vauxhall.

"In 2009, there was talk of closure and we all feared for the future.

"Launches of new cars lift the atmosphere and we're looking forward to the future."