The proposed closure of the Norsk Hydro manufacturing plant places 125 jobs in danger
Greater than 100 jobs might be misplaced at an aluminium big’s Welsh manufacturing plant. Norwegian aluminium and renewable power firm Norsk Hydro has introduced plans to shut down 5 of its European vegetation, together with its web site at Bedwas, close to Caerphilly.
Plaid Cymru MS for Caerphilly Lindsay Whittle mentioned the proposals, which places 125 jobs in danger, is a “devastating blow” for the workforce simply earlier than Christmas. Norsk Hydro mentioned a proper session course of with worker representatives on the affected vegetation will start instantly.
If the plans are confirmed, the 5 affected vegetation will shut someday subsequent 12 months, an announcement from Hydro added.
In addition to proposing to shut the Bedwas plant situated on the Pantglas Industrial Property, the aluminium producer additionally plans to shut Hydro Extrusions’ manufacturing vegetation in Cheltenham, Lüdenscheid in Germany, Feltre in Italy, and Drunen within the Netherlands.
The corporate mentioned 730 workers are affected by the proposals throughout the 5 vegetation. Keep knowledgeable on Caerphilly information by signing as much as our e-newsletter right here
Hydro mentioned the choice to shut vegetation had been taken “primarily based on an in depth evaluate and evaluation of the efficiency and market scenario, with the goal to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Hydro Extrusions’ enterprise in Europe”. For our free day by day briefing on the most important points going through the nation, signal as much as the Wales Issues e-newsletter right here
Native MS Lindsay Whittle raised the proposed closure within the Senedd, and known as on the Welsh Authorities to make an announcement on what actions is it taking to interact with Norsk Hydro.
He mentioned: “This can be a devastating blow earlier than Christmas. If the choice following the session interval is to shut, then we’d like the assist of the Welsh Authorities to take pressing steps to guarantee that there may be retraining and hopefully new employment alternatives as quickly as potential for these extremely expert staff.
“I visited the plant myself yesterday. I spoke to 1 employee. That is his sixth redundancy in his working life. Talking as a former aluminium employee who was additionally made redundant within the Eighties, it is a devastating blow.”
Responding to Mr Whittle, Welsh Authorities minister and Labour MS for the Vale of Glamorgan Jane Hutt mentioned: “The information, after all, may be very worrying for the Norsk Hydro workforce, each for his or her households and the neighborhood, and we stand able to assist the workforce affected by this resolution.”
Based on the Norsk Hydro web site, a big majority of the aluminium they produce on the Bedwas plant is for the automotive sector. The aluminium is utilized in bumpers, sunroofs, steering column helps and different merchandise for vehicles.
A spokesman for Hydro mentioned: “Hydro introduced on November 26 a proposal to shut 5 European extrusion vegetation, together with the plant in Bedwas.
“This isn’t a straightforward resolution and never one thing we take frivolously, however the proposal displays extended weak demand and low capability utilisation within the UK and Europe for our extrusion operations.
“Round 125 workers are probably affected at Bedwas. A proper session with worker representatives and works council has begun.
“Throughout this course of, Hydro will focus on and negotiate options in accordance with native UK rules. If confirmed, closure will probably happen throughout 2026.”
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