Holwell Works closure confirmed as owners set to move production to France

A devestating blow has been issued to Melton's history and job scene as Saint Gobain have confirmed the closure of Holwell Works by the end of the year.

As we reported back in March there was a period of consultation on the plans with employees and the GMB Union.

Owners Saint Gobain have now confirmed that these talks are over and the move will go ahead, meaning the factory will close by the end of 2024.

In a statement the firm said: "Following our proposed Holwell closure announcement on 8 March 2024, we can now confirm that our collective consultation with affected colleagues is complete and the production of our access covers and gratings will transfer to our PAM Blénod site in France by the end of this year."

The Holwell Works site in Asfordby Hill. Photo: NEMM

They added: "Thanks to the €11m investment in electric furnaces at the PAM Blénod foundry, we will be able to manufacture and supply our solutions at 50% lower carbon emissions compared to our Holwell production facility. This investment, which we called Thor, helps us achieve our continuous strive to make the world a better home and ensures we're in a stronger position to provide new and more sustainable solutions in the future. The production move will also best place us to support customers with their sustainability objectives."

The move means that more than 150 employees will be at risk of losing their job at the production facility which has a huge place in Melton's history.

Construction of the Works began in 1878 and the first furnace was tapped three years later. The Holwell site was later expanded to include a foundry to cast the pig iron produced by the furnaces. After amalgamation with Stanton Iron Works Company in 1918, Holwell was then taken over by Stewart and Lloyds in 1947.

A spokesperson for Saint Gobain added: "Throughout the transition period, we will remain committed to working with customers to meet their needs and will continue to provide them with the same service, support and quality they expect.

We will also give all our affected colleagues the support, help and guidance they need. Work is underway to also ensure we mark the closure in a respectful way that recognises the long history and heritage of the Holwell site and its role in the local Melton community."

The site in Asfordby Hill will close by the end of 2024.