The Norfolk community is breathing a sigh of relief following news that the Lotus factory will remain open. Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds received firm assurances from the sports car maker that it has no plans to shut its Hethel plant or move production to the US, securing 1,300 local jobs.
Concerns were high after Lotus temporarily halted production in mid-May, with reports suggesting a potential relocation due to US tariffs. However, during an urgent Sunday meeting, a Department for Business and Trade spokesperson stated that Reynolds “was reassured by management that they are committed to their UK operations and have no plans to close their Hethel plant.”
Lotus is now preparing to resume full operations as US tariffs on car imports are set to decrease, making exports of its high-value Emira sports cars more economically feasible. The company has consistently highlighted the UK’s significance, stating “the UK is the heart of the Lotus brand.”
This outcome is a significant win for the local economy and its skilled workforce, whose concerns were voiced by Labour MP Ben Goldsborough. The government’s broader commitment to supporting the automotive sector further reinforces the positive trajectory for the Hethel facility.