Union talks over factory closure

The Air Products announcement was the latest blow to north east Wales

Union officials at the Air Products plant near Wrexham are due to hold talks with management over the planned closure of the plant.

The company announced last week it is to close the Acrefair site and switch production to China.

A 90-day consultation has started, but a closure programme has not yet been finalised.

The Unite union wants urgent meetings with UK government ministers to discuss a rescue package for Acrefair.

Spokesman Graham Rogers said many staff at Acrefair had helped train workers in China and were "critical" and "despondent" over the company's decision to switch production there.

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

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