Plaid Cymru Assembly Member for Ynys Môn Rhun ap Iorwerth has today pushed Welsh Government for assurances that everything is being done to help the workers at Amlwch’s Rehau plant following a statement from the company that outlined 104 jobs would be at risk in the plant.

The Rehau plant in Amlwch has been in operation for over 40 years, and Rhun ap Iorwerth told Welsh Government that “the 104 jobs there are jobs that the north of Anglesey in particular cannot afford to lose … this is an area that has suffered economic blow after economic blow.”

Last week the REHAU group announced proposals to close the facility in Amlwch, citing a lack of demand for the product created in Amlwch as a significant factor in their decision. This will have a significant impact on the workforce – most of whom are from the Amlwch area – and the local community.

Mr ap Iorwerth said:

“In the last few weeks I have asked specifically for Welsh Government to support economic development on the island, and in particular the north following the announcements by Horizon and Rehau.

“Today I pressed Welsh Government for certainty that they will prepare resources to be able to offer Rehau support which could persuade them to develop a new product at the Amlwch plant perhaps, and I’ve asked for assurance that they will push for every option to be kept on the table.

“If it does come to the worst, I have also asked Welsh Government for assurances that they will invest heavily in re-skilling opportunities for the workers at Rehau and that no turn be left unturned in looking for alternative employment.

“The workers are concerned about the types of redundancy packages that may be available to them if it comes to that point, and I’ve asked Welsh Government for assurances that all help and support with be given to the staff at Rehau in Amlwch to ensure that they – in a company that doesn’t work with unions – are treated fairly.”