Siemans has launched a thirty day consultation period with plans to close its Newtown factory by the end of March. Montgomeryshire AM Mick Bates is disappointed by the news, which will see jobs and investment drained from Mid Wales and criticises the Assembly Government for a lack of political drive for the development of renewable energy.
Commenting, Mr Bates said:
“I am disappointed by the news that Siemans plans to close its factory in Newtown, which is a disaster for our economy in Mid Wales.
“I have spoken with Siemans who confirmed that following a thirty day consultation period, they plan to complete negotiations and close the factory by the end of March. Discussions are taking place with employees and some will be offered redeployment to other Siemans facilities in Wales or Newcastle.
“This is tragic news for the forty employees at the facility, particularly at this time of year and will see the loss of a skilled workforce. I have contacted the Assembly Government to make sure that all support is offered to employees to help them through the difficult months ahead.
“The development of our renewable energy industry in Wales is really critical for our local economies, as it brings jobs and investment for our communities. Wind farms bring crucial revenue for councils in business rates, which ultimately helps the council in the delivery of services.
“I hope that the decision to close the Siemans factory in Newtown is not a result of the lack of support and political drive for renewable energy development in Wales, which is causing paralysis in the wind industry and forcing companies to relocate to other parts of the UK .
“The Assembly Government must work much harder to break the stranglehold on wind developments, otherwise I fear we will see more jobs and investment drained from Wales.”
