NSK Proposes Closing Two UK Factories, 350 Jobs at Risk

A Tokyo-based automotive parts manufacturer has launched formal consultations to close two factories in Peterlee, County Durham, placing around 350 jobs at risk in the North East of England.

NSK Ltd, through its European subsidiaries NSK Bearings Europe Ltd and AKS Precision Ball Europe Ltd, announced the proposal on Monday as part of broader structural reforms aimed at addressing persistent profitability challenges in locally produced components. The sites, which have operated since 1976, manufacture precision bearings for steering systems, wheel hubs, and linear technology used in vehicles, including both internal combustion engine and electric models. Major customers include Volkswagen, Renault, and Nissan's Sunderland plant, with the majority of output exported to Europe.

The company stated that the move aligns with its midterm business plan through 2026, involving the withdrawal from unprofitable operations and reorganization of production facilities across Europe. If the closures proceed, production would cease no later than March 2027. NSK emphasized that it would engage in careful discussions with union representatives and elected employee bodies during the consultation...