Honeywell Process Solutions considers Chesterfield site closure

Company set to move the manufacture of controls for gas pipelines to Germany under the proposal.

Honeywell Process Solutions has started a 30-day consultation period over plans to close its manufacturing site in Chesterfield, which could result in the loss of 66 jobs.

The company could end more than 50 years of manufacturing at the site and move the manufacture of controls for gas pipelines to Germany under the proposal.

Randal Hodson, plant manager at Honeywell Process Solutions, said: “To optimise Honeywell’s global operations to meet our customer needs we have proposed a transition of manufacturing from Chesterfield, UK, to large-scale plants in other locations. This change is proposed to happen in phases late this year.

“This should affect a number of positions, but nearly one-third of the roles are expected to be transferred to another location in the UK and the remaining employees will be encouraged to apply for additional Honeywell opportunities in the region.”

The proposals have been branded as “needless” and “short sighted” by Unite the union. It said it would be pressing the company to look at alternatives, including finding alternative sites in the area.

Unite regional officer, Katie Whittam, said: “As well as bringing the shutters down on more than 50 years of manufacturing heritage at the site, it will see decent much needed jobs being stripped from the local economy.

“Over the coming days we will be pressing Honeywell to think again and repay the loyalty of its hard working staff, by investing rather than axing its Chesterfield workforce,” she added.