Electronics jobs may go to Poland

Kimball Electronics is considering moving operations to Poland

More than 160 jobs at a Bridgend electronics factory are under threat after its owners announced it is considering closing the site.

The Kimball Electronics Group has confirmed that it is considering relocating the business to Poland.

The company makes electronic devices and packaging for the medical industry.

The firm says it has now entered a 90-day consultation period with staff at the Bridgend site and another factory in Ireland.

The US owners acquired the 87,000 sq m site from Bayer Healthcare Diagnostics two years ago.

It specialises in equipment used in diabetes testing and monitoring.

A spokesperson for Kimball Electronics said the company was looking to consolidate its operations at its sites in Ireland and Bridgend, with one recommendation to move production to Poland.

If the decision is taken to close the Bridgend site, it is expected that jobs will be phased out from next year until the end of 2010.