Van manufacturer LDV temporarily halted production lines at its Birmingham assembly plant last week.

The Russian-owned manufacturer declared a shutdown in order to "rebalance stocks". Production of vans destined for Russia had been delayed, as had the start of a major order from Royal Mail.

Suppliers have been told that output levels of LDV's Maxus range would be low in the first quarter of 2008.

LDV said it builds to sold-order and in-line with the customer delivery date. The Russian order was subject to a timing delay while the first 330 vehicles were delivered, however a further order for 250 vans has since been taken, said a spokesman.