A new exhibition celebrating the 120-year legacy of Vauxhall in Luton opened this May, offering residents a chance to explore the company’s long history as a cornerstone of the town’s economy. The display, titled Luton Made: Vauxhall, is being hosted at the Stockwood Discovery Centre and runs from Saturday 2 May 2026 until Sunday 28 June 2026.
The exhibition comes following the closure of the local Vauxhall plant in April 2025, an event that marked the end of 120 years of vehicle production in Luton. That closure resulted in the loss of approximately 1,100 jobs as manufacturing moved to a facility in Cheshire. Reflecting on the impact at the time of the closure, Luton Borough Council leader Councillor Hazel Simmons MBE described the event as a devastating blow to the community, while Unite union general secretary Sharon Graham called Stellantis’s actions “a total disgrace.”
Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund as part of Luton’s 150th anniversary celebrations, the exhibition showcases the factory’s evolution since relocating from London to Kimpton Road in 1905. At its height in the 1960s, the company employed up to 37,000 people and produced everything from cars and military vehicles to vans. The exhibition features previously unseen photographs, film footage, and personal stories developed in collaboration with former workers to provide an immersive look at life on the production line.
Visitors can also view five heritage vehicles on loan from the British Motor Museum, including the very first and last cars built in the town. The exhibition is open with free admission for all members of the public from 11am to 5pm, Wednesday through Sunday.
While the history of the site is being celebrated, the land itself is currently undergoing a significant transition. Property developer Goodman has acquired the former factory site with plans to transform the area into a new £400 million commercial and industrial park.
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