April 3, 2007 — According to news reports, Ford Motor Co. will close its foundry in Leamington, England, where it manufactures brake drums and disks. High production costs in Great Britain are cited for the decision.

Ford's records indicate it employs 398 people at Leamington, 357 of whom are hourly workers.

It's also reported that workers at the plant rejected two cost-saving strategies proposed by the automaker. A Ford spokesman states that no one will be forced into unemployment: positions at a Ford distribution center in Daventry, England, will be offered to those who are interested; and the remainder will be provided with a severance package.

The closing is scheduled to happen July 27.

Ford plans to transfer the Leamington plant's production to suppliers in Europe.