Opel Could Use Antwerp Production Lines Elsewhere

The last Astra was officially produced last week, the first layoffs have already occurred, so it's only a matter of time until the Antwerp plant closes its doors entirely. But German manufacturer Opel is also considering the possibility to use the production lines elsewhere, with potential locations to host the infrastructure not disclosed for the time being.

"First we are looking if we can use installations in other facilities [while] Maynards is handling other technical facilities, this process is only beginning," an Opel spokeswoman in Belgium told just-auto.

Although rumors regarding multiple investors that could take control of the Antwerp plant surfaced in the media ever since the company announced the closure of the Belgian plant, Opel says it hasn't reached a deal with other parties, so the closing process continues as planned.

"We did not find an automotive investor. There was not a viable business plan with the Chinese so that is why discussions stopped," the spokesman told the aforementioned source.

The company confirmed however that it is holding talks with Port Authority for a number of buildings included in the Antwerp site, but refused to provide more information regarding the current status of the negotiations.

"We are negotiating with the Port Authority to sell the land and buildings," added the spokeswoman. "I can't go into detail."

The Port Authority confirmed its interest in the Belgium plant earlier this week, saying that a bid will be made but no promises can be made since there are multiple investors involved in the talks.

"Yes, we are making a bid [but] there is no timetable as the closing of the plant is not finalized yet," an Antwerp Port Authority spokeswoman told just-auto from Belgium. "The situation of GM within the Port is an extraordinary [one] meaning the Antwerp Port Authority is the owner of 90% of the land."