Bethan Jenkins AM has called on the Welsh and UK governments to investigate the way Ford sources its parts following today’s announcement of the closure of the Linamar plant in Swansea.
The Plaid South Wales West AM has been working with staff and union officials at the plant for a number of months, once it became apparent that the Canadian owner was experiencing difficulties in securing contracts. She has written to Ford to ask about its sourcing strategy, and she has also asked a number of questions to the First Minister and other members of the Welsh Government about Linamar.
She said: “Linamar took over the plant from Visteon with the promise of contracts secured from car makers, including Ford. It is apparent, from what workers at the plant have told me, that while Linamar did what it could to bring that work to Swansea, a lot of that work was not ultimately forthcoming.
“Billions have been invested by the UK government, along with a multi-million pound grant from the Welsh Government, so that Ford can build the new eco boost engine at Bridgend. However, none of that work appears to be going to local suppliers like Linamar.
“When I asked the First Minister about this, he could only give a reply that he hoped work would come to local suppliers. I didn’t think that was good enough at the time, and it certainly isn’t good enough now. The Welsh Government should be in a position to demand terms if it is awarding grants.
“As such, Ford must share the blame for Linamar’s inability to continue.
“I would back Unite in its moves to save the Linamar plant, but I am concerned that this is a too little, too late from the union.”
