Lotus hiring to cope with increase in Elise production

[mason]

Evening News (UK)
June 11, 2004 12:15

Lotus jobs joy

DEMAND for an American version of the Lotus Elise sports car has led the company to create 30 new jobs in Norfolk.

The firm has just begun advertising for posts at both its factory in Norwich and the headquarters in Hethel, near Wymondham.

Rob Tickner, head of marketing and public relations at Lotus Engineering, said the American version was launched in January and drew rave reviews at the Los Angeles Auto Show.

It caused a rush of buyers and the company is now employing a string of staff to cope with demand.

Mr Tickner said: "What we are doing is responding to the American demand and putting more people on the production line to handle the increase. The car was launched in January and now we are seeing the result of all the publicity filtering through.

"Last week we sent the first cars across and we are expecting a demand of about 2,000 cars per year. At the moment we have a very healthy order book."

He said there were jobs available at their fabrication factory in Vulcan Road, on the Airport Industrial Estate and in Hethel.

And he added that the company had no plans to relocate and open a factory in the USA to be closer to their customers.

Lotus Cars are currently looking staff to work on the production line, bodywork preparation staff, paint shop assistants, skilled welders and spray painters.

Brian Watson, city councillor for enterprise, said: "We have had some lows in the manufacturing industry in the city, but Lotus has proved to be one of the top businesses in the area for a number of years. They have shown commitment to Norwich and its employees.

"Manufacturing has been on a decline in the city, but new jobs have been replacing them. The city has a strong banking and retail industry, despite the losses at Norwich Union. We have a buoyant economy and should never be complacent."

If Lotus were able to sell 2,500 Elise models a year it would double its current production.

The 2005 Lotus Elise went on sale in May with a price tag of $39,985.

The company is recruiting through an agency and interested employees should contact Jennie or Julie for an interview on (01603) 625511.