Euro Car Parts to create 1500 jobs over the next 18 months

Following the collapse of Unipart Automotive last week, competitor and former front-runner in potential rescue talks, Euro Car Parts, has announced that it plans to create 1500 jobs over the next 18 months. The fact that this figure is roughly equivalent to the entire size of the former Unipart Automotive workforce should not be overlooked. Neither should the obvious question – how? With this and the Unipart collapse in mind, what looks clear is that, compare with the first half of this year, the automotive aftermarket will be a significantly different place.

On 25 July, Martin Gray, CEO, Euro Car Parts has released the following statement:

“The news that Unipart Automotive has gone into administration is very sad news indeed, to see so many employees now facing an uncertain future is very distressing. Our thoughts are primarily with them at this stressful and difficult time. We will go the extra mile to advise and do our best to assist them in securing employment with ourselves, should they wish to explore this as a potential option.

“During the next 12 – 18 months we will be creating 1,500 new positions, so I am confident that the vast majority of affected Unipart ex-employees could be supported by us, should they so desire. With regard to Unipart’s customers that have been affected.”

Commenting on what the company might saw to suppliers and customers of the erstwhile Unipart Automotive operation, he added: “Euro Car Parts is the only true UK National aftermarket distributor that’s controls 100 per cent of its own operations/logistics/warehousing and national infrastructure. Therefore, I believe we are well placed to help potential customers that may need us and will do our very best to assist as/if required.”

Unions rue the lack of rescue

Meanwhile union representatives have bemoaned that fact that no single entity was able to rescue the operation and run it as a going concern: “You would have thought someone like Unipart – you would have thought someone would have wanted to pick that up,” Unite national officer for the automotive sector, Roger Maddison, said in an interview with just-auto, adding:

“I am absolutely gutted. I am sure we have many members and people who have worked there for a long time, who will be devastated by the news and who have very little information.”