Wayne David has reacted to the worrying news that up to 200 jobs are under threat at the  Kautex Textron site in Ystrad Mynach, and is calling on the company to do everything in its powers to protect these jobs.

Commenting on the announcement by Kautex Textron that closure of its Ystrad Mynach site in Caerphilly is being considered, Wayne David said, “Kautex Textron has been an important provider of vital jobs in the Caerphilly area for more than 50 years, and the loss of these jobs would be devastating for the employees concerned, and the local economy.”

“I understand that the GMB union are in active discussions with the company to encourage them to diversify into new products to reduce any potential job loss, and I would urge the company to constructively engage in these discussions.

“I am also pleased that the Welsh Government and First Minister Mark Drakeford, along with Caerphilly County Borough Council have offered their full support in helping to protect these important jobs.”

There had been some concerns that Brexit presented particular challenges to the automotive sector and this would seem to have been realised with the company saying it wants to bring production close to home. Kuatex Textron are a German / US company and it is feared that it wants to move production to mainland Europe.  At the same time, the COVID-19 pandemic has placed a huge strain on the sector.