news0087

	The Market Weighton Town Crier

Europower Hydraulics set to close by March 2005

The likely date for the closure of Europower Hydraulics in Market Weighton has been given as March 2005, following the announcement in April by parent company, Oystertec Plc., to transfer operations to Poland and Leeds.

So far 20 employees have already left the company, 30 will leave at the end of December and another 25 in the middle of February. Around 30 staff have accepted transfer to the Leeds branch of the business.

The company maintain that in spite of significant cost reduction measures the site continues to make a loss, and relocation of operations will protect the long-term future of the business.

Europower Factory, Southgate, Market Weighton

The Europower Hydraulics Factory in Southgate, Market Weighton

This is really bad news, especially with the prospect for many of being unemployed so soon after the Christmas period which can be a very costly time for many families. Unfortunately this situation happens too often when thriving businesses are taken over by foreign companies.

On the assumption that the factory does close many in the town are speculating on what will become of the large land area that the site occupies. Again the rumour factory is working overtime and top of the list are yet another housing development and/or a supermarket.

A planning application was lodged with East Riding of Yorkshire Council on 5th October 2004 for, I quote "Demolition of existing Industrial Buildings and erection of retail unit with ancillary car parking and new access arrangements". So it looks like a new retail unit - the strong rumour is that Tesco are interested in the site - we'll have to wait & see on that one. It would be good news for those wanting more shops/supermarket and parking, but what is the likely effect on the other shops in the town.

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news0071 - 18 April 2004

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First Posted : 6 December, 2004
Last revision : 6 December, 2004