Several major Newton Aycliffe employers, including Gestamp Tallent and Hitachi Rail Europe, have backed a campaign to remain in the European Union in an open letter of support.
Gestamp, which employs close to 1,400 people at its Aycliffe site, have joined Hitachi, which will employ 730 people when its £85m factory is fully operational later this year, to back MP Phil Wilson’s public letter of support.
Other major Aycliffe employers to back the open letter include EHL UK Group, Formula Plastics, Roman, Go Geothermal, Stiller Warehousing and Distribution and Thrive Marketing.
A number of businesses from other areas, within the Sedgefield constituency, have also put their name to the letter, including Sedgefield firm Kromek, Bishop Auckland-based Teescraft, Invertec of Trimdon and the GEM Partnership.
“Newton Aycliffe, North East and UK businesses benefit from all the trade they secure as a part of the European Union,” says the letter.
“Full access to the EU Single Market is vital for UK exporters, their suppliers, and jobs.
“The EU, our largest customer, buys almost half of what we sell to the rest of the world.
“We all agree that we are stronger, safer and better off in the EU.”
Mr Wilson said: “I very much believe it is in Britain’s interest to stay a member of the European Union for jobs, prosperity and security.
“Newton Aycliffe now boasts the largest business park in the North East. Many of the companies on the park and in the surrounding area trade with the rest of Europe. Hitachi and Gestamp are good examples, but there are many more.
“Even if a company does not trade directly with Europe it may probably supply another company that does.
“In a recent survey of companies in the area, over 80% wanted the UK to remain in the EU.
“Over 50% said leaving the EU would force them to review their business and investment plans. These companies employ thousands of local people.
“In my view remaining in Europe will help secure employment, encourage further inward investment and therefore further job growth and prosperity.”
Mr Wilson admits we need to see further reforms of the EU.
But added: “We shouldn’t throw the baby out with the bath water by leaving the largest single market which allows British companies to trade and sell goods to 500 million people in 28 EU countries.
The USA, China, India, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Japan all want us to stay a member of the EU. Much of the inward investment from these countries into Europe comes to the UK because we are part of the European Union.
“Membership of the EU has helped bring rights to working people, such as on paid annual leave and maternity leave.”