NSK Europe proposes withdrawal from UK Peterlee production, 350 jobs at risk

NSK Ltd. announced it has proposed withdrawing production from its Peterlee facilities in County Durham, UK, to labor unions, commencing consultations. This move is part of a structural reform of its European business aimed at addressing profitability challenges in locally produced goods, including withdrawing from unprofitable operations and reorganizing production sites.

The proposed withdrawal, if decided, is targeted for completion by the end of March 2027 and is expected to impact approximately 350 employees. NSK intends to provide necessary support to affected workers and engage in careful discussions with stakeholders.

The Peterlee operations include NSK Bearings Europe Ltd., which produces automotive bearings and employs 271 staff, and AKS Precision Ball Europe Ltd., manufacturing steel balls for bearings with 75 employees. The company notes that forecasting the financial impact of this matter is currently difficult.