Plant Closures in Multi-Plant Enterprises—the Case of a Declining Industrial Sector

HEALEY M. J. (1982) Plant closures in multi-plant enterprises - the case of a declining industrial sector, Reg. Studies 16, 3%51. The decline in British manufacturing industry and its uneven spatial manifestation has led to a growing interest in the study of plant closures. This paper examines the closures made by a group of multi-plant enterprises in the textile and clothing industries between 1967 and 1972. The frequency of closures is related to six enterprise characteristics (profitability, size, growth rate, organizational structure, industrial nature and investment strategy) and seven plant characteristics (size, age, length of time operated, location within enterprise, internal linkages, status and industrial nature). Where possible, the findings are compared with those of other relevant surveys. The implications for urban and regional development are discussed.