º£½ÇÊÓÆµ

Oops.

Our website is temporarily unavailable in your location.

We are working hard to get it back online.

PRIVACY
Manufacturing

200 jobs at risk at South Wales car parts firm with Brexit and Covid-19 blamed

The Kautex Textron factory in Ystrad Mynach could close, company in talks with unions and employees

The Kautex Textron factory in the South Wales town of Ystrad Mynach was first opened 50 years ago(Image: Google Streetview)

A Welsh car parts firm is blaming the combined economic impact of coronavirus and Brexit for putting 200 jobs at risk.

Kautex Textron is considering the closure of its plant in Ystrad Mynach, near Caerphilly, and is in talks with unions and employees.

BBC Wales is reporting that a consultation period between staff and management has begun, with talks set to last until at least mid-May. The unions say that it is "devastating" and that they have been told the Brexit has played a part in the decision.

The factory, on Dyfrryn Business Park, opened more than 50 years ago and makes hoses, water containers and nozzles.

A company statement says: "We can confirm we have entered into provisionary discussions regarding staff reductions and potentially a site closure.

"Brexit, as well as the ongoing economic impact of Covid-19, are the key contributors to this decision."

The GMB Union said it was notified by the manufacturing company before Easter that it was considering cutting the workforce and the Welsh government said it was "working with the company" to help save jobs.

Mike Payne, the union's senior Wales and South West organiser, said it is "devastating" for their members at the plant.