Plaid Cymru AM Chris Franks has described the news that the Bosch plant near Miskin will close in the summer of 2011 as bitterly disappointing.
Chris Franks said: “Plaid Leader Ieuan Wyn Jones and the Welsh government has worked hard to try and retain the Bosch jobs. It is bitterly disappointing that the company is pushing ahead with closure in the summer of 2011. The Welsh government has offered help but the company has made it clear they will not re-think their plans to close. It is important that people faced with losing their jobs realise there are Welsh schemes in place to help with retraining.”
In a statement to Assembly Members the First Minister, Carwyn Jones and Deputy First Minister Ieuan Wyn Jones stated:
“The Deputy First Minister met Bosch Senior Management from Germany on 14th January 2010 to press the case for keeping the plant open. The Bosch Management Team again outlined that the Group is currently facing the worst economic downturn for many decades and has been especially hit in the automotive sector
“On 8th February 2010, both the First Minister and Deputy First Minister travelled to Germany to meet members of the Bosch Board to once again press the case for their Welsh plant to remain open. We also urged them to do all that they can to offer alternative products from within the Group to keep production at the Cardiff site. However, none of the alternatives were considered feasible. Whilst they welcomed the meeting, they indicated their intention to close the site despite us once again offering Assembly Government support.
“Today’s announcement confirming that the Cardiff plant will close during summer 2011 is a devastating blow to the highly skilled workforce and their families and we have pledged our full support to the employees of Bosch Cardiff. We will now work with the company and Unions to outline the support packages that can be provided for the affected employees to help them to develop their skills and find alternative work.”
“During our meeting in Germany, Bosch confirmed the future of the site had not yet been considered, but are keen to work with us to explore any future potential use of the site. Bosch is also keen to work with us on the skills and training for the workforce. Our officials are now taking this forward.
“In addition, the Assembly Government is working closely with Bosch Cardiff’s Welsh supply chain highlighting that there will be opportunities for the companies to continue supplying Bosch’s overseas plants.”
