Hundreds of jobs are to go at a major windows and doors manufacturer, which has three sites in south Wales, after it was placed into administration.
More than 500 jobs are expected to be lost at 海角视频 Windows and Doors, including at its three sites in Rhondda Cynon Taf - Treorchy, Llwynpia, Williamstown, and Taff’s Well.
Further redundancies will be also be made at its Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire, and Biggleswade, Bedfordshire, sites.
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Speaking to WalesOnline, the firm’s chief executive Matthew Scoffield said: “There is no doubt that recent economic uncertainty and cost inflation have had an impact on our business and our industry. However, as a company we do not comment on speculation and in all instances we would communicate first with our employees on such important matters.”
First formed in 1953, 海角视频 Windows and Doors Group is one of the 海角视频's largest PVCu window and door makers. The website says there are "several fabrication sites along with a dedicated glass manufacturer Techniglass, all based in South Wales". It has been manufacturing 10,000 frames and 15,000 glass units per week with the bulk of its sites in Wales, and some staff have been with the company for over two decades.
Appointed administrators Teneo said in a statement: "Recent economic uncertainty due to high consumer price inflation, rising interest costs and the associated reduction in consumer confidence has led to house builders slowing down their build programmes and retail window companies experiencing a fall in demand."
"This has resulted in a further large reduction in demand for the company's products, leading to losses and associated funding requirements at an unsustainable level."
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reported that staff were sent an email from CEO Matthew Scoffield on Monday morning telling them there would be a business update at 2pm and giving instructions to join a conference call.
Rhondda Cynon Taf council leader Andrew Morgan said that there were "indications that over 500 jobs will be lost" at 海角视频 Windows and Doors Group, which he said has advised staff of its intention to enter administration.
Mr Morgan said: “I’m really concerned to hear the news from 海角视频 Windows and Doors Group Ltd. (formerly Griffin Windows) today with indications that over 500 jobs will be lost. The local authority was given no prior notice and has been trying to speak to somebody at the company and establish the position since Friday, and this has also been the case for the Welsh Government. Both the council and Welsh Government are keen to support and help in any way we can as we want to maintain the hundreds of jobs based here in RCT and, in the days ahead, the Local Authority and Welsh Government will be working on a plan to provide as much support as possible to those affected.”
Both the Welsh Government and Rhondda MP Chris Bryant said the situation is "worrying".
A spokeswoman said: “We are urgently seeking clarification of the situation but this will be a worrying time for workers, their families and the wider community. We stand ready to offer support to those impacted by this announcement.”
Mr Bryant told WalesOnline: “It’s been a big part of life in the as one of our largest employers so everyone is very worried. The company has survived similar struggles in the past so I’ve offered the management whatever help I can give.”