Gestamp shrinks UK production footprint

LONDON -- Spanish metal parts supplier Gestamp is closing two of its five plants in the UK as slower vehicle sales impact its production in the country, the company said.

Gestamp closed its factory in Fareham, southern England, in early March and will shut its plant in Washington, near Sunderland, northeast England, in 2021, the company said. A third plant in Cannock, central England, is being replaced by a newer, nearby facility as part of Gestamp's restructuring of its business in the country.