Linde to close Basingstoke plant

Staff at the Basingstoke facility, the area’s largest employer, were informed of the decision at the beginning of the week. The Basingstoke production will be transferred to the company’s larger factories across Europe.

Linde, which makes forklifts and warehouse handling equipment, has been in Basingstoke since 1949 and was originally known as Lansing Bagnall.

The company has begun a 90-day consultation with unions and employees and expects to continue production in Basingstoke until mid 2010.