GM says Opel Antwerp plant will close due to “tough reality” of auto market

Opel to cut 8,300 jobs across Europe

BRUSSELS — Opel chief Nick Reilly has said the company plans to cut 8,300 jobs across Europe, with 4,000 in Germany alone.

He said Thursday Opel’s plant in Antwerp, Belgium will close with the loss of more than 2,300 jobs because the company has to cut capacity by 20 percent.

“We have to take plant out and unfortunately it is Antwerp,” he said. “It is the tough reality of the current business environment.” Opel is part of General Motors Co.