More than 200 jobs at risk at carmaker Bentley

1 hour ago

Caroline GallWest Midlands

News image — Demand was strongest for Speed and Mulliner (Mulliner Bacalar pictured ) models, the carmaker said

Getty Images A yellow Mulliner Bacalar on show at a car event. It has its roof down. — Demand was strongest for Speed and Mulliner (Mulliner Bacalar pictured ) models, the carmaker said

Up to 275 jobs could be lost at luxury carmaker Bentley, the firm said.

The news comes as the company announced its financial results for 2025 marking a seventh consecutive year of profitability.

But the company, which makes its cars in Crewe, said as investment continued at its Pyms Lane site for new electric models, 275 jobs were at risk as part of "overall efficiency activities".

The cuts would affect management, agency and non-manufacturing employees, the firm said.

"We are investing at unprecedented levels in the Pyms Lane site, including the Design Centre, opened in July last year, the near completion of the A1 building for BEV production, and the upcoming opening of the new Paint Shop later this year," said CEO and chairman Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser.

Bentley An artist impression of part of its plant at Crewe. Cars are being put together with seats outside the vehicles and people standing by some cars. — About 4,000 people are employed at Bentley's factory in Crewe and the firm is making the plant carbon neutral

"At the same time, we are making some difficult decisions to ensure the long-term competitiveness of the business, including an organisational adjustment potentially impacting approximately 275 positions.

"I want to express my sincere appreciation to those affected - we are committed to supporting each individual with care, guidance and assistance throughout this transition," he added.

Several electric models are planned by 2030 with the firm announcing in 2022 a £2.5bn investment at its Crewe plant as it moved towards electrification.

Its Design Centre, which opened last year, consolidated design and innovation work while work has continued on making the factory carbon neutral with a battery powered electric vehicle assembly line "nearing completion", the firm said.

Getty Images A navy Bentley car on show at an event — The cuts would affect management, agency and non-manufacturing employees, the firm said

The company reported an operating profit of £186m (€216m) and revenue of £2.25bn (€2.6bn) while adding that customer deliveries declined by five per cent during the year, driven largely by continued market contraction, particularly in China.

Axel Dewitz, board member for finance and IT, added the firm showed strong underlying financial performance despite challenging external factors, including additional pressure from US tariffs.

"These results give us confidence that Bentley's financial foundation is solid, [while] highlighting the need to continue to invest in our future product portfolio and site transformation."

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