by Charlotte Cox & Ben Turner
THE CLOSURE of the BAE Systems plant in Woodford – one of Macclesfield’s most well-known employers – is a tragedy for the area’s industry, it has been claimed.
Yesterday (Tuesday), the firm’s bosses confirmed the site would shut in 2012, with the loss of more than 600 jobs, part of a nationwide cull of 1,100 jobs.
It follows months of mediation between management and unions which have failed to stave off the ‘inevitable’ decision any longer.
And when the site, which manufactures Nimrod Aircraft for the Royal Air Force, closes its gates for the final time, it will mark the end of an era for the thousands of local residents who have shared in its 84-year history.
Last night there was dismay from unions, politicians and the local community. Bill Livesley, Cheshire East councillor and Macclesfield Chamber of Trade member, said: "For the local economy it is another tragedy, and one we happen to have no control over.
"The site is steeped in history and a lot of Macclesfield and Poynton men and women worked there in the engineering department during the war building parts for Lancaster bombers.
"It is sad for people like my father-in-law who was a chief test pilot at Woodford. He flew the last commercial plane to make a maiden flight from Woodford – the Advanced Turboprop (ATP).
"It’s bad news, but had been predicted because of the situation of the RAF not buying extra Nimrods."
CEC finance chief, Councillor Frank Keegan, was "shocked" to hear of the closure.
"This is very bad news and will have a very big impact on the Macclesfield area," he said. "It is a traditional employer for Macclesfield residents, a big travel-to-work area, and is very close to us.
"I knew they had been running down the opportunity there for some time, but thought they had stabilised. BAE will be very disappointed." The plant has also shared close links with the specialist European Centre for Aerospace Training (ECAT) at nearby Macclesfield College.
Head of ECAT, Keith Hegarty, said: "Our students have used the facilities at Woodford for training purposes and Woodford personnel have also made use of the college’s on-site aircraft. It will be a shame to see the facility close."
At the time of yesterday’s announcement, the site had been hoping further commissions from the Ministry of Defence would have helped prolong the lifespan of the site.
Jim Welsh, BAE’s site boss at the Chester Road site, added: "It is always regrettable when job losses become necessary and it’s a sad day for everyone associated with the site, although one that had been anticipated for some time.
"We will do everything necessary to deal with the proposed closure in a professional way and support our people throughout this process, while remaining closely focused on delivering on our commitments to the Ministry of Defence concerning the Nimrod MRA4 programme."
The Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions (CSEU), whose members are among those that will lose their jobs, described the news as ‘bitterly disappointing’.
Workers were told the news after the MOD confirmed it will not be commissioning anymore Nimrod planes, leaving the firm with little choice but to close the plant. Attention has now turned to the future of the site. It is understood one local group has circulated proposals to turn the land into a recreational area including rowing lake, although Stockport Council said these had not been formally submitted to them.
