Norgren fight goes to Westminster

10:32am Sunday 22nd April 2007

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WORKERS at Shipston's Norgren factory have refused to give up their fight to keep it open - although an EU investigation into the company's plan to move production to lower cost European countries has shown nothing illegal.

The move, which will result in the loss of 165 jobs, was referred to the EU by MEP Michael Cashman.

Despite the blow, workers are planning to deliver a 1,500-strong petition to Downing Street on Friday to protest at the factory closure.

The union Amicus is also organising a protest at the annual meeting of Norgren's parent company, IMI, at the Metropole Hotel at the NEC in Birmingham on May 18.

"We haven't given up on our fight to save the factory even though the EU report was not in our favour and we are not in a position to challenge Norgren's business plan," said union official Peter Coulson.

"As well as the protest at IMI's AGM, for which we are organising five coaches to take workers and supporters from Shipston, we are also contacting Norgren customers to get their support."

The union learned that a German IMI company facing the same closure problem as Shipston had the decision overturned after backing from customers who carried out their own investigation into alternative producers in the Czech Republic and found quality and delivery problems.

"We are not giving up the fight," said Mr Coulson. "The severance package the company is offering is a disgrace. It's derisory and does not reflect the loyalty and hard work put in by the workers there."

A spokesman for Norgren said: "The consultation process is still ongoing and the severance package is under discussion. No agreement has been reached yet."