Factory closure plans put 245 jobs at risk: union

The Crown plant in Neath, Wales, was considering shutting down due to overcapacity, according to the union Unite, which represents workers there.

Unite Wales secretary Andy Richards said: “This is a further body blow to the Welsh manufacturing sector and to Neath in particular, which has suffered a series of losses of significant employers in recent years.​

‘Alternatives to plant closure’​

“We call upon the Welsh Government to do everything in its power to intervene and to discuss with the company alternatives to plant closure.”​ ​

The union said it has already been in talks with the Welsh government economy minister in a bid to form an urgent taskforce. 

Richards said: “Unite, will of course, enter into discussions with the company with a view to seeking an alternative to closure.”​

MP Christina Rees, who represents Neath constituency, spoke out against the proposed closure of the plant, known locally as the metal box.

‘Gut wrenching feeling’​

“The news has left a gut wrenching feeling, this iconic Neath plant is imbedded in the town, and so many local people have links to the place,”​ Rees said.

“I would like to express my sincerest sympathies to the loyal workforce that have given the plant such a superb reputation.” ​

A spokesman from Rees’s office said the factory employees 245 people and manufactures ring pulls for tin cans. He confirmed that a 45-day consultation started on Thursday (October 15).

“There’s a great reputation that comes with the site. It has been there 80 years and it has been with Crown since 1996,” ​he said.

“The reputation, certainly amongst the town, is absolutely huge. Everybody knows someone who has worked there.”​

Crown Europe's regional human resources director for the UK and Ireland, Carol Davis, confirmed that Crown Packaging UK has launched a consultation over the proposed closure.

“We understand this will be a difficult time for all people associated with the Neath Factory and we are actively meeting with all employees at the site to explain the proposal in further detail,” ​Davies said. 

The firm announced plans to cut 116 jobs​ at its Worcester site in 2013, citing a decline in tin can sales.