SOUTH Ribble MP David Borrow is set to quiz bosses at Leyland Trucks after it was announced that the firm has been sold to lorry giant PACCAR.

Mr Borrow will meet managers at Leyland's largest employer tomorrow (Friday).

He expressed concern about the lack of information regarding the firm's long-term future and job security for local employees.

He said: "It is important that we have firm guarantees from the new owners that staff have a secure future and that investment in the Leyland firm continues to be high.

"Leyland Trucks has an excellent range of vehicles and I would like to see that expand and develop in the coming years.

"Of course it appears to be a very good move in that Leyland Trucks should fit in as part of PACKER, so it will be able to compete with the big players in the truck market. However, the whole thing came as a complete surprise to me and I am concerned no mention has been made of the long or medium-term aims of the firm."

It is now five years since a management buyout saved Leyland Trucks, after parent firm DAF went bust in 1993. This time, bosses at the Croston Road plant said all 770 jobs are safe.

Leyland Trucks chairman John Gilchrist said: "This move ensures continuity and long-term security for the firm. We are similar firms in that we are both forward looking and take the needs of the consumer into account. We will benefit from PACCAR, who know the global truck market inside out."

And the firm's 770 employees are excited by the news, according to Union Convenor David Alty.

He said: "This is excellent news for the company because it gives us security, something we have lacked for several years because we were a small player on a huge field.

"It is still taking time to sink in but, overall, the staff are enthusiastic about the move."

Leyland Trucks, which made £10.4 million during the last financial year, designs, assembles and sells a range of trucks as well as making vehicles for the Ministry of Defence.

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