WOLVERHAMPTON - Filtration specialist Mann+Hummel is to close its main UK manufacturing facility in Wolverhampton by the end of 2022, part of the company's strategic review of its operational footprint.

Following the closure, which will affect around 230 employees, all capacity at will be relocated within the company's European network.

Explaining the decision, Marco Heck, senior vice president Operations Europe Automotive Systems, said that the move to close the Wolverhampton plant resulted from a difficult market environment, declining manufacturing volume, and the entire automotive industry undergoing a structural transition throughout Europe.

The company, he said, was looking to focus even more on filtration products and continued to intensify its activities in the Life Sciences & Environment business unit.

“Over the past months, several opportunities have been presented and evaluated to improve the plant’s competitiveness," Heck said. "Unfortunately, we concluded that savings or other measures could not offset the dramatic decline in volume. We know that the decision to close the plant will be more than difficult for our employees, and we are committed to work in close cooperation with our negotiation partners.”