THE last shifts at Scarborough bus and coach plant Plaxtons began today before a huge restructuring under which 550 workers have lost their jobs.
In early May, bosses announced the factory would close entirely with the whole 750-strong workforce being made redundant.
But after a series of top-level meetings between management and unions, the plant was saved.
It will now become a "centre of excellence for coachbuilding" known as New Plaxton and employing a workforce of 200.
Neil Beresford, managing director, said the factory was closing today until August 13, when the new operation will start.
He said: "Remodelling of the plant will begin later in the summer and it will be ready to start building coaches towards the end of October."
Updated: 11:18 Friday, July 27, 2001
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