Workers' e-petition to save jobs

Staff will also put a cost-saving plan to the American-owned firm

Workers fighting to save their factory from closure have launched a petition on the Downing Street website to try to win support and publicity.

Up to 200 jobs are under threat at Air Products in Acrefair, Wrexham, due to overseas competition and the recession.

Union leaders are to meet local politicians to press the case for government aid.

Shop stewards and union officials will meet Clwyd South MP Martyn Jones and local assembly members.

The Unite union said there was "anger" at the plant last month when the firm began a 90-day consultation process.

Employees at Acrefair had helped train the workforce at a factory in China. Air Products is considering closing its Wales works and moving production of gas plant equipment to a factory in China.

Industries

Staff have said they are also working on a cost saving plan to put to the American-owned company in hope of winning a reprieve for the factory.

The plant, which opened in 1950, employs 140 craftsmen and 50 in management and administration.

Air Products supplies gas and related equipment to a wide range of industries.

Its products include equipment for air separation, natural gas liquefaction and hydrogen purification.