Hundreds of jobs could be lost as major employer reveals plans to close Doncaster site

Lighting firm Eaton has announced it plans to close its site on Wheatley Hall Road, with around 300 jobs lost as part of the plan.

It would open another smaller site elsewhere in the borough, but employing fewer people.

The changes would see the end of the firm’s mains lighting work in the borough, instead concentrating on emergency lights and fire products.

Previously Cooper Lighting and Safety, the site was was bought by Eaton in 2012. Its lighting products are designed, developed and manufactured at the same facility.

The firm today published a statement.

It said: “Following a strategic review of the business, regrettably Eaton announced to its employees today that it is proposing to exit the EMEA Mains Lighting business market and focus activities in Doncaster on Emergency Lighting and Fire product lines as well as a centre of excellence for key UK support functions.

“We believe that this proposal is the most appropriate due to the continued challenges of increased global competition and sustained negative financial results that have made the mains lighting product lines no longer commercially viable.

“Should this proposal be implemented, it would result in the closure of the existing Doncaster facility, the exit of the mains lighting market and a move to a new facility within the Doncaster region with a smaller team.

“It is anticipated that approximately 300 positions based in or out of the company’s current facility in Doncaster would be impacted. This is in no way a reflection of the hard work and dedication of the team over the past years. It is intended that up to 90 positions may be able to transfer to the new facility.

“This action would be taken in full accordance with local laws and consistent with Eaton’s practices.

“We regret the impact that this proposed restructuring would have on our employees and their families and would take steps to ensure any actions are carried out with care and concern for all of individuals involved. Our goal would be to help impacted workers transition to new facilities, new positions or to new careers.”

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