A TOYOTA worker from Wrexham has spoken of his relief after the car giant announced it will build new hybrid engines at its Deeside plant from next year.
As we reported on Friday, the Japanese firm will be making a hybrid model of its Auris hatchback in the UK from mid-2010, with the cars being manufactured at Toyota’s plant in Burnaston, Derbyshire and the engines being made in Deeside.
It is hoped the news will help safeguard the jobs of about 550 workers at the Deeside plant, which has endured a difficult year due to the recession.
Marc Baird, 28, from Borras, who works at the Deeside plant, said the news had come at a ‘crucial time’ for workers at the factory.
He said: “It’s really good news for Toyota, but looking at the bigger picture it’s great news for the area as well as the environment, which is important to think about today.
“I think it will be exciting working on the hybrids, which is a new thing in modern engine production.
“Toyota haven’t done anything like this in the UK before, so to be part of a groundbreaking project is a real boost for everyone that works here.”
The news will provide a much-needed morale boost at the Deeside plant, which was effectively shut down temporarily during a non-production week in April.
Working hours and basic pay were cut by 10 per cent earlier this year.
Alyn and Deeside MP Mark Tami described the announcement of the hybrid engine plan as ‘outstanding news’ for the area.
He said: “The hybrid engine will be the first to ever be produced for the firm outside the US or Japan.
“Hybrid technology has enormous potential and I am confident this will secure the long-term future for many skilled workers at the Deeside plant.”
Ieuan Wyn Jones, deputy first minister for Wales, hailed the decision as ‘an investment by a world-class company in a world-class facility’.
Toyota began engine production at Deeside in 1992.
It was previously thought that Toyota would not start making the new model for another three years.
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