25 FEBRUARY 2013BBC.co.uk
Sixty jobs to go with the closure of Anglesey Aluminium
Edited by : AL CIRCLE
2 min read
Local politicians warned of a jobs crisis on the island with confirmation that the Penhros plant will stop operations within two months, with 20 workers kept on until the site is sold.
The Holyhead smelting operation shut in 2009 with the loss of nearly 400 jobs.
The remaining 80 staffs have been at the plant as part of a decommissioning process and its re-melt business.
The company said it had made "extensive effort" over the past few months to identify ways to make and save money to offset the "substantial losses" facing the business.
Anglesey Aluminium - which started production in 1971 and was once one of the largest employers on Anglesey - started consulting with the workforce in December.
It warned last week that there was a "strong likelihood" of it closing.
Klaus Stingl, chairman of the Anglesey Aluminium Metal (AAM) board, said the priority now was to ensure workers were helped to find new jobs.
"The health and safety of AAM's employees will remain of paramount importance in this difficult time with additional workplace support being given to employees to help them seek alternative employment," he said.
Before the decision to close the factory was announced, it had been expected to remain open until June 2014.
Plans have been announced for a biomass power station, a fish farm and a holiday park on the site. Continue reading the main story
Mr Stingl said AAM will work with the UK and Welsh governments and Anglesey council to make sure these go ahead "in an effort to create a legacy for the local community by the creation of alternative employment opportunities".
Anglesey AM Ieuan Wyn Jones said he was "extremely disappointed" by the news of the closure.
Local MP Albert Owen said it was clear that Anglesey had a "jobs crisis" following this news, as well as Vion's recent confirmation that 350 jobs are under threat at its Welsh Country Foods plant at Gaerwen.
"I will work with all stakeholders, government, businesses and the unions to limit the impact of any job losses, but we need a bold jobs plan for the near future," he said.
Anglesey Aluminium is jointly owned by Rio Tinto Alcan and Kaiser Aluminium.
The Holyhead smelting operation shut in 2009 with the loss of nearly 400 jobs.
The remaining 80 staffs have been at the plant as part of a decommissioning process and its re-melt business.
The company said it had made "extensive effort" over the past few months to identify ways to make and save money to offset the "substantial losses" facing the business.
Anglesey Aluminium - which started production in 1971 and was once one of the largest employers on Anglesey - started consulting with the workforce in December.
It warned last week that there was a "strong likelihood" of it closing.
Klaus Stingl, chairman of the Anglesey Aluminium Metal (AAM) board, said the priority now was to ensure workers were helped to find new jobs.
"The health and safety of AAM's employees will remain of paramount importance in this difficult time with additional workplace support being given to employees to help them seek alternative employment," he said.
Before the decision to close the factory was announced, it had been expected to remain open until June 2014.
Plans have been announced for a biomass power station, a fish farm and a holiday park on the site. Continue reading the main story
Mr Stingl said AAM will work with the UK and Welsh governments and Anglesey council to make sure these go ahead "in an effort to create a legacy for the local community by the creation of alternative employment opportunities".
Anglesey AM Ieuan Wyn Jones said he was "extremely disappointed" by the news of the closure.
Local MP Albert Owen said it was clear that Anglesey had a "jobs crisis" following this news, as well as Vion's recent confirmation that 350 jobs are under threat at its Welsh Country Foods plant at Gaerwen.
"I will work with all stakeholders, government, businesses and the unions to limit the impact of any job losses, but we need a bold jobs plan for the near future," he said.
Anglesey Aluminium is jointly owned by Rio Tinto Alcan and Kaiser Aluminium.
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