NSK Ltd, the global automotive manufacturer, has announced plans that could see production end at its County Durham facility, putting around 350 jobs at risk.
The Tokyo-headquartered company confirmed that its European subsidiaries, NSK Bearings Europe Ltd and AKS Precision Ball Europe Ltd, have entered into formal collective consultation with unions and elected representatives regarding the potential withdrawal of production from the Peterlee sites.
NSK said ongoing challenges with the profitability of locally manufactured products have led it to implement measures such as exiting unprofitable businesses and reorganising production sites. The possible closure of Peterlee is part of these wider structural reforms.
The company is consulting with all relevant stakeholders and, if the closure goes ahead, it is expected to take effect by March 2027. NSK has pledged to provide all necessary support to the approximately 350 employees who could be impacted by the decision.
NSK manufactures bearings, linear technology, and steering systems, supplying products to automotive manufacturers across the UK, including Nissan’s Sunderland plant. The company also maintains a UK base in Nottinghamshire.
