Thursday, May 21, 2009
LDV production resumes in July
Weststar agreed earlier this month to buy the vanmaker, which was poised to go into administration.
The government had intervened with a £5m bridging loan to save the company.
Weststar said it will continue to make vans and invest in research at the Birmingham plant and will also expand the scope of manufacture in Malaysia and other low cost manufacturing centres.
"In addition to production, Birmingham will remain the centre of engineering excellence, where designs for new low carbon emission original equipment manufacturer standard products and special vehicle option conversions will originate," it said.
"This strategy will see employment and value creation in the UK and Malaysia significantly increased over time."
Dato' Seri Syed Azman, managing director of Weststar LDV addressed LDV employees directly on the company blog.
"We appreciate that you have been awaiting confirmation of payment of wages following the announcement by the government.
"The process to release funds is now complex and has taken longer than expected to establish.
"It includes the approval by Weststar and I am now pleased to confirm that payments have been approved to reach you as early as possible next week.
"We would like to conclude by assuring you that the team at Weststar are committed to finalising this process as quickly as possible and in the best interests of you the employees."
Weststar runs Honda car dealerships in Malaysia and has sold LDV vans in south east Asia and the Middle East since 2007.
DATED: 21.05.09
FEED: MT
