A boost for British industry was announced today as Vauxhall confirmed that 2,200 jobs in Ellesmere Port, North Wales, would be safeguarded by the decision to build the new Astra there.

The car maker was expected to announce that one of its European plants would not be involved in production of the new car.

Vauxhall today stated that the Astra replacement, codenamed Delta, will be built in the UK, Germany, Switzerland and Poland, but not at its plant in Antwerp, Belgium.

Transport and General Workers Union general secretary Tony Woodley welcomed the news. He said: “This is good news for Ellesmere Port and good news for Merseyside as well as being a boost for the car industry in the UK after too many disappointments.

“There is no doubt in my mind the most important reason behind Vauxhall’s  decision was the productivity, quality and commitment of the workforce.”

Last year Vauxhall cut 900 jobs at the Ellesmere plant after reducing the number of shifts in operation.

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