Unofficial: GM to Shut Down Antwerp Plant

Although both Opel and Saab are belonging to General Motors and are involved in significant restructuring processes, the Swedish company is making the headlines more often as everybody is curious to find out what's going to happen with the brand. However, Opel makes the headlines once again as sources familiar with the matter are claiming that General Motors will close the over-debated Antwerp plant and eliminate around 2,300 jobs.

According to a report by Reuters, the Flemish government was not informed about such a decision so General Motors is yet to make an official announcement on the matter.

However, there are a few signs that might hint the US-based manufacturer might indeed close the Antwerp facility. After several rounds of negotiations with local unions and employee representatives - followed by public protests started by Opel's Belgian employees, Opel/Vauxhall CEO Nick Reilly expressed his option to build the future subcompact SUV in South Korea by GM Daewoo. Antwerp was initially scheduled to build the model but, after further consideration, the car might be transferred to GM's Korean joint venture.

"They did not back down from the decision to close Antwerp. Now (Opel CEO Nick) Reilly has announced that this would be implemented," a company source said according to the aforementioned source.

On the other hand, Opel's Belgian employees said they won't accept such a decision as the Antwerp plant is just as efficient as the other factories across Europe.

"We will never accept the closure of a production centre, nor lay-offs without a social plan," Belgian trade union official Walter Cnop told the protesters in September. "Production must be shared out fairly," he added.