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Wales Online
Wales Online
National
Caitlin Arlow

Bosses confirm closure of 3M factory in Penllergaer with loss of 89 jobs

A major factory in Swansea will close with the loss of 89 jobs.

The 3M factory in Penllergaer, Swansea, announced it has concluded consultation with employees on Friday, two months after it shared proposals for the site's closure.

The company confirmed that 89 positions will be made redundant.

Discussions began on 8 July, when the company announced it opened a 45-day consultation with employees over the potential closure of the factory.

Read more: Wales' unemployment rate falls to 4.1%

The plant, based on Gorseinon Road, is the American company’s oldest manufacturing facility outside the US.

3M said the Gorseinon site has experienced ongoing underutilisation and has been impacted by changes in the segments it serves, namely the personal care industry, the collision aftermarket and vehicle repair centres.

Managing director of 3M, north Europe region, Lars Hanseid said: “Alternative strategies have now been explored and it has been confirmed that 89 positions will be made redundant.”

Over the next 24 months, the Gorseinon site’s manufacturing operations will move to existing 3M facilities worldwide, including Bangor, Northern Ireland.

The company started as a small-scale mining venture in Northern Minnesota, then named Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Company - 3M.

Mr Hanseid continued: “I would like to express my sincere appreciation of our employees’ commitment and professionalism, not only through the consultation, but also as we now go through the period of transition.

"The company regrets the loss of any jobs, but we believe this move is the only way forward for the future of the business.”

A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “We have been informed of 3M’s plans to close its Swansea site. This will be a worrying time for workers, their families and the local community and we are ready to do all we can to support staff at this time.”

A range of support services will be available for affected employees, including outplacement assistance and financial advice.

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