WORK has started on a £20 million, 21-acre supplier park at Vauxhall Motors' plant in South Wirral.

The project supports the current £300 million modernisation of the plant in preparation for the new Astra due next Spring, and will make a significant contribution to the plant's efficiency.

The park will house three companies - Delphi Automotive Systems, Plastic Omnium Automotive and Mackie Automotive Systems UK. Around 200 people will be employed supplying components and sub-assemblies for Vauxhall.

The new supplier park - due for completion in early 1998 - represents a major step forward for the plant. By minimising delivery movements and simplifying production processes, gains are made in productivity and product quality.

Director of Manufacturing at the plant Mike Chapman said: "This operation is a very significant breakthrough for the Ellesmere Port plant and for the local community.

"It is an integral element of the current £300 million modernisation of the assembly plant, which will put Ellesmere Port at the forefront of automotive manufacturing technology.

"Additionally, not only will we achieve significant efficiency gains from the operation, but also further streamline vehicle production. By extending the local industrial base on our site we also help to increase and underpin job opportunities into the future."

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