UK in talks with Lotus after factory closure fears

Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds will hold talks with Lotus after the carmaker moved to ease concerns over the future of its UK factory.

The UK’s Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is set to speak with Lotus after reports that its Chinese owner, Geely, was considering shutting production at the Hethel plant in Norfolk, risking 1,300 jobs.

Lotus issued a statement saying it had “no plans” to close the factory and remained committed to the UK, its largest commercial market in Europe.

The Financial Times had reported that Lotus was weighing shifting production to a new facility in the US.

In its statement, Lotus said operations in Norfolk were continuing as normal and that it was “actively exploring strategic options to enhance efficiency and ensure global competitiveness.”

Lotus also highlighted its recent investments in UK R&D and operations since Geely took majority ownership in 2017.

A UK government spokesperson declined to comment on commercial speculation but confirmed Reynolds will hold talks with the company.

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