A councillor has spoken out after a luxury yacht builder announced it will be leaving Southampton, with several jobs set to be lost.
Oyster Yachts confirmed it will be winding down all production at Saxon Wharf by the end of this year.
It comes only one year after the international manufacturer began moving production activity from its leased facility at Hythe Marine Park.
The blue water sailing yacht brand is consulting workers about job losses in manufacturing, support and administrative roles, but would not say how many posts are currently at risk, or how many staff it employs at the site.
Speaking to the Local Democracy Reporting Service after hearing the news, Cllr Simon Letts said: “It’s always disappointing when manufacturing jobs are lost in the city.”
The deputy leader of Southampton City Council added: “The council stands ready to support any staff impacted. We have a really good track record in this area with a nationally recognised employment and skills team.
“When Ford closed in 2014, we worked with the company to ensure as many staff as possible were able to find new opportunities.”
A spokesperson for Oyster Yachts said the company is working closely with the affected employees ahead of the “phased end to production” at Saxon Wharf.
The company described the restructuring as part of efforts to create a “more focused and resilient” operation by simplifying its premises and concentrating investment at its location in Wroxham, Norfolk.
UK manufacturing remains central to the business, the firm said, and owner Richard Hadida and the board continue to “fully support the company.”
The changes will not affect yachts currently being built or future orders, according to Oyster.
The company said it is building and delivering vessels as planned and remains committed to supporting existing and future owners.
This comes less than a decade after the yacht builder said it “ran out of cash” and went into administration in February 2018.
As reported by the Daily Echo at the time, the firm said around 160 jobs at the Saxon Wharf site in Southampton were expected to be lost, along with 400 across all sites.
A month later, the business was acquired by Mr Hadida, and the company returned to profit in 2024.
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