Jobs at risk as crane maker proposes to close factory

WORKERS at the Sunderland factory of crane maker Liebherr face uncertainty having been told the site could close.

- TOM KEIGHLEY Business writer [e-mail]

The Ayres Quay operation, which has been there since 1989, could be shut permanently under proposals by its German owners.

A consultation process is under way with around 102 staff at the base, which specialises in building maritime cranes and cargo handling equipment including ship and port cranes, offshore cranes and mobile harbour cranes.

Bosses have cited a “comprehensive assessment” of the site which looked at its long-term viability, the market for its cranes and investment required there.

Employees were told of the proposal at a recent all-site meeting. It follows redundancies at the Sunderland Works earlier this year when around 90 jobs were lost - just under half of the workforce.