International: Controversy as General Motors announces plant closure

General Motors announced in January 2010 that it plans to close its Opel plant in Antwerp, Belgium, provoking protests from trade unions across Europe and accusations of breach of an earlier agreement on the factory's future.

The European division of General Motors (GM), the US-based automotive multinational, has a workforce of around 50,000, and produces vehicles mainly under the Opel, Vauxhall and Saab brands.