13.2.2002
Ellesmere Port plant prepares for new Vectra production

Vauxhall's Ellesmere Port plant marked the gathering momentum of the new Vectra production with three landmark events on February 6, 2002: the official opening of a new 40,000sq m logistics management warehouse, a new Vectra unveiling ceremony to the local community, and a road naming honour for plant founder Eric Fountain.

As the plant moves closer to full production of the new Vectra alongside the Astra in April, Vauxhall's new Supply In-Line Sequencing (SILS) building was officially opened by Andrew Miller, MP for Ellesmere Port and Neston.

In one of the most complex automotive supply chain management projects in Europe, the 40,000 sq m logistics management warehouse - the size of more than five football pitches -- will be operated by global logistics company and new local employer, Ryder plc to support production of both the Astra and Vectra ranges.

The building, located on Vauxhall's supplier park adjacent to the factory on the North Road Industrial Estate, will receive all incoming supplier parts, put components and sub-assemblies in the correct production sequence, and deliver directly to the line.

European suppliers to the Ellesmere Port site will gain access to the new building via a new road, named after plant founder and former plant manager, Eric Fountain OBE, who formally opened Eric Fountain Road.

Eric joined Vauxhall in 1943 as an apprentice in Luton and moved to Ellesmere Port in 1967 as chief planning engineer, where he was part of the team that chose Ellesmere Port to be the north-west home of Vauxhall, 40 years ago. He returned in 1974 as plant manager.

The event also marked the launch of a new automotive Supply Chain Toolkit, produced by the Northwest Development Agency to assist organizations locating in the region.
Vauxhall also opened its doors to give the local community a sneak preview of the new Vectra and to show off its £127 million state-of-the-art bodyshop, which is producing test Vectras to check new robots and quality processes.

Representatives from local government, business and community organizations, included Moira Andrew, mayor of Ellesmere Port and Neston, and Wirral mayor John Cocker, who saw four production employees unveil the new car to a crescendo of lights and music.