What would you say is the most efficient manufacturing industry in Britain?
You might be astonished to learn it is the car industry, which, post the demise of British Leyland ( and in truth before as well) has surpassed the expectations of it's mostly Japanese masters.
Now a little bird tells me things are so bad worldwide that even these most efficient of plants ( Honda, Nissan,Toyota) are getting rid of contractors that cost them nothing to get rid off and the graduate trainees, even from 2 years ago, have their heads on the chopping block. This from companies that pride themselves on retaining loyal staff and "working through" problems.
I suppose drops of 35-40% in sales is enough to ruin any business plan ( I always liked the projections people do showing 10% variation; if it works it will be much better than 10% UP, if it doesn't it will be bust.)
Nissan has a research facility near Milton Keynes with 600 odd people working on projects.
The word has gone out from HR that on 19th January there is to be a big meeting in Japan to decide on worldwide cutbacks. Nissan currently has 2 advance projects on the go, one in UK and one in Japan. One or other will get the chop.
I'm not sure why they are having the meeting - I can tell you now which one will go.
Update:
Told you it would get worse
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