AMs urge 'concentrated action' to save Bridgend Remploy

9.00.30pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 22nd Jun 2007

The Welsh Liberal Democrat Assembly Member for South Wales West, Peter Black and Kirsty Williams AM, who is the Welsh Liberal Democrat spokesperson on economic development, today visited the threatened Bridgend Remploy factory.

The purpose of their meeting was to meet with the local Action Group of trade unions and with senior management. They came away cautiously optimistic for the future of the plant and determined to press the Assembly Government to do everything they can to keep iot open.

Peter Black said:-

"What is quite clear is that the Remploy workers are doing high-quality and skilled work for the automotive industry. Obviously, there is good business being done already which might sustain the factory in the longer term but there are also new business opportunities on the horizon. We have a three month window, and what is needed is a period of concentrated action from all parties, including the Assembly Government, so as to use those opportunities to keep the factory open.

Kirsty Williams added:-

"Our talks today have persuaded us that Remploy Bridgend is a sustainable business in the long-term and we would urge management to make every effort to secure this new business.

"We will be raising the issue with the relevant Assembly Minister, asking him to take action through the Assembly Automotive Forum."