Two Peterlee factories at risk of closure with loss of hundreds of jobs

Two Peterlee Factories Face Closure with Hundreds of Jobs at Risk

Plans have emerged to close two factories in County Durham, threatening up to 400 jobs. The factories, NSK Bearing and AKS Precision Ball in Peterlee, are owned by Japanese company NSK, which intends to shut them as part of a move to exit unprofitable business sectors.

Background and Impact

The Peterlee sites produce bearings primarily used in the automotive industry. NSK began operations there in 1976 and also operates a facility in Newark, Nottinghamshire, plus three others across Germany and Poland. Their clients reportedly include Volkswagen, Renault, and Nissan, which has nearby car manufacturing plants in Sunderland.

Union Response

“This is a complete betrayal by NSK of its County Durham workforce, who have broken their backs hitting performance targets that they were told would keep their factories safe,” stated Unite general secretary Sharon Graham.

Graham emphasized that there remains a viable business case to keep the factories running and vowed that Unite will "fight tooth and nail" to prevent closure.

“NSK doesn’t need to close these factories and Unite will be forcefully making that point during consultations. Ensuring their future should be a no brainer for the government, as bearings will still be needed for cars long after diesel and petrol engines have been phased out,” added Unite national officer Steve Bush.

Company’s Strategic Shift

NSK's decision reflects a strategy focused on withdrawing from less profitable segments, despite ongoing demand for automotive components that support future vehicle production, including electric cars.

Author's summary: Closing Peterlee’s NSK factories threatens hundreds of skilled jobs despite ongoing demand for automotive bearings, sparking firm union resistance and calls for government action.

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hellorayo.co.uk hellorayo.co.uk — 2025-11-12

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