Welsh Conservatives have renewed calls to WAG for the urgent publication of a manufacturing strategy for Wales.
It follows the recent announcements of further potential job losses within the sector.
In the last two weeks Tetra Pak has announced plans to stop production in Wrexham and Warburtons has revealed its intention to close a site in Newport. In all, 264 jobs are at risk.
In recent years job losses at Corus, Hoover, JCB, Panasonic, Bosch, Indesit, Stadco Powys, Anglesey Aluminium and Novelis have all been devastating blows to both families across Wales and the Welsh economy.
Welsh Conservatives have persistently called for an innovative and enterprising manufacturing strategy.
In July 2010, WAG officials maintained it was due “shortly”, after first being promised in 2008.
This uncertainty also extends to WAG’s Economic Renewal Programme in general, with no clear direction for support to small businesses.
While the Programme states WAG will “deepen its relationship with high growth firms… and major companies”, the Deputy First Minister has also claimed “size does not matter.”
The First Minister’s repeated promises to strengthen the Business Partnership Council have also failed to come to fruition. Despite renewed assurances in February and June, nothing has been produced.
Shadow Minister for the Economy, David Melding AM, said: “The time for delays and postponements is over.
“Welsh manufacturing urgently needs a clear strategy that will safeguard the sector and keep jobs.
“It was promised in 2008. WAG officials told an Assembly committee it was in draft form in December 2009. Three months ago it was due shortly.
“WAG’s lack of urgency on this issue is putting the whole industry at risk.
“The Manufacturing Forum was established over three years ago. While it is right that the strategy should be written by its members from within the sector, the long delays in its implementation are an insult to the hard work already undertaken.
“Welsh industry must be put first and the long overdue manufacturing strategy must be published. Now.”
