WORKERS at a car parts maker have voted to become part of a union.

Staff at Nifco UK, in Eaglescliffe, near Stockton, were balloted for representation from Unite.

Union bosses say about 70 per cent of workers voted to be part of the union.

Paddy Hill, Unite organiser, said: “We are delighted to work positively alongside one of the most progressive automotive suppliers in the North-East.”

Mike Matthews, Nifco UK managing director, said: “We have been working closely with the union for some months, after they approached us to request voluntary recognition.

“With only very few members of staff signed up to a union, we felt the fairest process would be to give the team the chance to decide for themselves if they wanted representation.

“We have never been averse to the idea of union recognition, and we will work closely with Unite in the future.”

Nifco UK's North-East plant makes millions of plastic parts, including door handles and cup holders, every year for customers including Nissan, Ford, Honda and Jaguar Land Rover.