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LucasVarity to Close Fenton Facility

13 January 1999

LucasVarity to Close Fenton Facility

    LIVONIA, Mich., Jan. 12 -- The Automotive Division of
LucasVarity plc today announced plans to close later this year a
Lucas Body Systems plant in Fenton, Mich.  Employees are being informed of the
plans this week.
    The Fenton plant produces switches, and other electrical components
primarily for General Motors Corp., and it employs about 460 people.
    Production will be phased out during 1999, beginning in February and
concluding by the final quarter of the year.  Affected employees will receive
severance payments and outplacement services to help them secure new positions
elsewhere.
    The company will shift the production of components made in Fenton to
sister facilities in Winona and Rushford, Minn., and Ettrick, Wis.  The
rationalization is aimed at making the company more competitive and at
ensuring its long-term success.
    LucasVarity Automotive is headquartered in Livonia, Mich., and produces
braking, electrical and electronic systems, diesel systems and aftermarket
replacement parts for the global automotive industry.
    It is a division of LucasVarity plc, which designs, manufactures and
supplies advanced technology systems, products and services in the world's
automotive and aerospace industries.