Union hopes over car cable plant

270 jobs to go at gearbox plant

A Llanelli car components factory set to close with the loss of 270 jobs could yet be saved, say union leaders.

They were told at a meeting on Friday that Dura Automotive planned to begin making redundancies in late September.

But Amicus regional secretary Carl Lucas said the firm was ready to listen to alternative ideas and if new orders could be found closure may be avoided.

Dura earlier blamed competitive market conditions for its decision, but no-one was available for comment on Friday.

The parent company, based in Michigan, United States, launched a major restructuring drive in February, with plans to close between five to 10 plants worldwide.

It announced on Thursday that it planned to shut the Llanelli plant by the end of the year.

Local politicians and union leaders met management at the plant on Friday.

The idea of selling the factory in Bynea - which makes car gear boxes - as a going concern was raised.

Speaking after the meeting Mr Lucas said he intended to discuss a rescue package with staff at the Welsh Assembly Government enterprise department.

Enterprise minister Andrew Davies had already said he was seeking an urgent meeting with the company to discuss the "very disappointing decision".

Mr Lucas said although many of the company's orders were from eastern Europe, Dura had given no indication where the work from Llanelli was likely to go.

The factory, long established in the town, also produces cables for the aerospace industry.