Hotpoint closure leaves hundreds without a job

Jun 10 2009 by Carl Butler, Denbigh Visitor

AFTER months of talks and negotiations it was announced the Hotpoint/Indesit factory is to close with the loss of more than 300 jobs.

The company has been in North Wales since the 1950s with their original factory in Llandudno Junction but will now move their washing machine operations to Poland.

In its heyday Hotpoint employed over 2,000 workers, but last week the current workforce was told of the impending closure.

The shutdown will begin in July, with unions slamming a 90-day consultation period, claiming the manufacturer had “already made up their mind.”

Vale of Clwyd MP Chris Ruane alongside a group of MEPs has raised questions about the firm’s use of European funds.

He wants to make sure public money granted to Indesit won’t be used to train a new Polish workforce. He said: “The news has come as a great disappointment and I will continue to ask questions about the use of European funds.”

Unite regional organiser Alwyn Rowlands said: “Staff are devastated, there were only 10 workers who had been there for less than 20 years.

“Now they will all be thrown into unemployment despite their lengthy service – they are going to need a lot of help.”

Worker David Thomas from Llandudno Junction said: “I have worked at Indesit for 39 years, our worst fears were confirmed when we heard the factory will close.

“I really feel for those who have a mortgage and young families.”

A statement released by the firm said: “A number of options were evaluated, including alternative investment, resizing the factory and introducing new products to manufacture at the site.

“Unfortunately, it was agreed by all parties that none of these options were sustainable and as a result of the continuing decline in the market, combined with increasing manufacturing costs, regrettably the decision to close the factory has had to be made.

“Indesit Company is now working in conjunction with the Welsh Assembly and Job Centre Plus to provide a wide range of job shop and skills training activities for the 302 employees.”

Carlos Ramos, UK manufacturing director of the firm added: “I would like to thank everyone at Kinmel Park for their continued commitment and professionalism during this difficult period.”

A Denbighshire Council spokeswoman said: “We are very disappointed that the closure of the Indesit factory at Bodelwyddan has been announced despite the representations made by the council to the parent company in Italy.”