TRW Automotive is closing the doors to its steering and suspension plant at Luton in a bid to cut costs and boost efficiency.

After more than 30 years of production, 71 jobs are expected to go when the firm moves production from the site to TRW's Frydlant plant in the Czech Republic. TRW's customer product engineering team, currently based at the site, will continue to work in the UK.

Workers at the site produce steering systems for some of the world's biggest carmakers, including Ford, Nissan and Volvo. The next biggest TRW steering and suspension plant is located in South Wales. TRW refused to speculate on its future.

Analysts say the aftermarket giant's labour-intensive remanufacturing operation has come under pressure after significant price reductions on original equipment parts.