NSK closure would be 'bitter blow' for Newark
BBCPeople in Newark said the closure of long-standing firm NSK would be a "bitter blow" for the town.
Hundreds of jobs are at risk after the bearings manufacturer announced plans to cease production at a factory in Nottinghamshire after more than 125 years.
NSK said withdrawing production from its base in Northern Road was part of ongoing "structural reforms in its European operations".
Paul Peacock, the Labour leader of Newark and Sherwood District Council, said it was "devastating news" and people in the town were shocked.
Jill Drewery, 73, who used to live in the town and now lives in Grantham, Lincolnshire, said: "All the manufacturing is leaving Newark now, what is left?
"It's sad that these companies are going. We should be manufacturing in this country and looking after ourselves."
Billy Gee, 77, of Balderton, said: "I am stunned to be honest. I could've never seen it shutting.
"It will have a massive impact on Newark. The town is going to suffer terribly - and it is already suffering now.
"It is shocking."
Paul Dowson, a retired lecturer from Newark, 63, added: "There aren't that many places in Newark that employ more than 200 people, so to lose a company like that is devastating.
"It will affect lots of families and it's a really bitter blow for Newark.
"There will be a lot of uncertainty for a lot of good people."
Council leader Peacock added: "NSK is not just a big employer in Newark but a traditional company which has been around for decades.
"Newark is picking up in many ways but this is a significant blow to the local economy and local families."
He said the council had offered support for those at risk of losing their jobs.
Councillor Sam Smith, the leader of the Conservatives in Nottinghamshire, said: "It's vital to bring everyone together to help.
"We need to get around the table to see what partner agencies can offer the staff to retain as many local jobs as possible."
Robert Jenrick, the Reform UK MP for Newark, added: "We can have good jobs in this country - we can make things in the UK but it does require us to have cheaper energy costs, more competitive taxation, more skills coming into the UK and a more competitive international posture."
NSK has said in a statement: "Due to persistent challenges in the profitability of locally manufactured products in Europe, NSK has been implementing measures such as withdrawing from unprofitable businesses and reorganising production sites.
"The proposed withdrawal of production from the site [in Newark] is part of these ongoing structural reforms.
"Going forward, NSK will engage in careful consultations with all relevant stakeholders regarding the potential withdrawal. If closure proceeds, we envisage this would be no later than March 2027 and NSK will implement all necessary measures to support all circa 220 employees who may be affected."
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