Luxembourg-based Ardagh Group moving aerosol, printing manufacturing operations from Merthyr Tydfil plant to East Midlands and Norwich sites, respectively; plan to shutter those operations could result in the loss of 146 jobs; union fighting move

Kathryn Mackenzie

WALES, United Kingdom , May 30, 2012 (press release) – Unite, the largest union in the country, today (Monday 28 May) pledged to fight the threat to 146 jobs at Ardagh Group’s Merthyr Tydfil aerosol manufacturing plant.

The Ardagh Group announced today that it was entering a period of consultation with the workforce at the south Wales plant over a proposal to close the site.

Unite, which represents the majority of the workforce, is set to hold a meeting with its members at the company’s site on Wednesday (30 May) to plan its campaign to keep the plant open.

Unite regional officer, David Lewis said: “The workforce is shocked and disappointed at the company’s decision. There has been no indication that Ardagh Group wanted to shut down the entire site which remains profitable.

“Unite does not accept the possibility of the site’s closure when it has a good order book of contracts and a loyal customer base.

“The economy is going through a grim time and this news is a terrible blow to the people and community of Merthyr Tydfil.”

The proposals include the relocation of aerosol manufacturing - Merthyr Tydfil’s main operation - to the group’s Sutton in Ashfield plant in the East Midlands and the relocation of printing to the group’s Norwich site.

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