Excellent news for Norfolk: the Lotus factory in Hethel will remain open, securing 1,300 jobs. This positive development follows an urgent meeting between Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Lotus executives, where the sports car maker reassured the UK government it has no plans to shut its local plant or move production to the US.
Concerns had been high after Lotus temporarily halted production in May, with reports suggesting a potential relocation of manufacturing abroad. However, a Department for Business and Trade spokesperson confirmed Reynolds received assurances that management “are committed to their UK operations and have no plans to close their Hethel plant.”
Lotus is poised to resume operations as US tariffs on car imports are set to significantly decrease. The Hethel factory is critical for Lotus, producing its £75,000 Emira sports car, with 60% of its output exported to the US, and also an electric hypercar. The company has consistently stated that “the UK is the heart of the Lotus brand.”
This outcome is a relief for the local economy and workforce, as highlighted by Labour MP Ben Goldsborough, who had actively engaged with both Lotus management and government ministers to stress the plant’s importance. The government’s commitment to supporting the automotive sector further strengthens this positive outlook.
