Portescap to end UK production

Portescap, the miniature motor specialist, is to stop assembling gearboxes at its UK site in Ringwood, Hampshire. Production is being transferred to company`s main site in La Chaux de Fonds, Switzerland.

Portescap was acquired by the Danaher Group in 2000 and is now part of the Danaher`s Motion Control Group. According to Portescap managing director, Bernard Lacoste, the UK manufacturing operation is being closed as part of Danaher`s continuing global reorganisation. A sales and marketing operation will remain in the UK.

The Ringwood site has been manufacturing gearboxes both for use with Portescap`s own motors and for external customers. The transfer of the operation has started already, and is due to be completed by the end of June.