3M has announced it is to cut up to 185 jobs at its Gorseinon, Swansea, factory over the next 14 months following a decline in demand for its products.
The site has been in operation since 1952 and manufactures such items as aerosols and adhesives. But due to a sharp fall in demand, the company has “concluded that some fundamental changes are needed if [its] products are to remain competitive.
“We need to consolidate our manufacturing capacity in order to achieve improved economies of scale and be located closer to our key customers. Sadly, that means significant changes for our plant here,” said plant manager John Bowers.
Having already completed a 90-day consultation period, 3M will now conduct further discussions with employees to decide on the best course of action to be taken in achieving the redundancies.
The company has assured its workers that it will relocate staff where possible, and will provide support services such as financial advice and training for those made redundant.
“Everyone at the plant recognises the challenges we have faced over the past three years and knows that, together, we have done everything possible to turn the situation around,” explained Bowers.
Unite union has said it will “do everything in its power to support and protect its members.”
