'Pride and sadness' after last molten pour at Holwell Works

The closure of the plant, which employed generations of local people for 140 years, was confirmed in June following a period of collective consultation with both unions and Holwell employees.

The ceremonial final pour of molten iron was carried out yesterday (Thursday) at the foundry, which is run by Saint-Gobain PAM.

It has specialised in ductile iron road ironwork manufacturing and production of right-first-time access covers, gully gratings and surface boxes which can be seen across UK’s paths, roads and highways network.

Saint-Gobain PAM UK managing director, Alan Gwilliam, said: “For many colleagues past and present, Holwell will be fondly remembered for years to come.

"This was evident in recent weeks when we welcomed back former employees to retrace familiar foundry steps and share memories.

“Our final pour of molten iron was a moment of immense pride and sadness.

"Pride to have been part of a site with such a rich history in the community and sadness for colleagues and friends who said their final goodbyes to colleagues with whom they have built long friendships."

Saint-Gobain PAM UK will continue to support customers with the same solutions and customer service they are used to by transferring the production of their road ironwork to sister site in Blénod, France – a plant that has seen an €11m investment in Europe’s largest electric furnace for the production of ductile iron.

The production move will result in a 50 per cent reduction in the carbon emissions of the road ironwork solutions transferred, helping Saint-Gobain PAM and their customers achieve their net zero ambitions.

Since the closure of the site was announced, Saint-Gobain PAM has been working closely with Holwell employees to provide support, help, and guidance on their next career steps.

This has included organising internal transfers to other Saint-Gobain businesses and working with Melton Mowbray Jobcentre Plus and the National Careers Service, to deliver several employment sessions on site on topics such as CV writing, searching and applying for jobs, self-employment, pensions, and how to claim benefits.

Saint-Gobain PAM has also been working closely with Conley Career Coaching, a local company specialising in outplacement services, to support employees to optimise their job search strategies.

Thanks to the support provided, many employees have already secured skilled employment ready to start in October.

“On behalf of everyone at Saint-Gobain PAM, I’d like to express my thanks and admiration to the Holwell team for the amazing job they have done under difficult circumstances," Mr Gwilliam added.

“A number of employees will continue working on site in our finishing and assembly lines, where they will continue to work until the end of this year, helping us continue to meet our customers’ needs.

“Throughout the transfer process, Saint-Gobain PAM remains as committed as ever to continuing to support customers with the service and solutions they need.

"However, we will be doing this with solutions that have a significantly lower carbon footprint, helping them to also achieve their own sustainability goals."