The proposed closure of the Norsk Hydro manufacturing plant puts 125 jobs at risk
Norsk Hydro has announced plans to close its plant in Bedwas(Image: Google)
More than 100 jobs could be lost at an aluminium giant’s Welsh manufacturing plant. Norwegian aluminium and renewable energy company Norsk Hydro has announced plans to close down five of its European plants, including its site at Bedwas, near Caerphilly.
Plaid Cymru MS for Caerphilly Lindsay Whittle said the proposals, which puts 125 jobs at risk, is a “devastating blow” for the workforce just before Christmas. Norsk Hydro said a formal consultation process with employee representatives at the affected plants will begin immediately.
If the plans are confirmed, the five affected plants will close sometime next year, a statement from Hydro added.
As well as proposing to close the Bedwas plant located on the Pantglas Industrial Estate, the aluminium producer also plans to close Hydro Extrusions’ production plants in Cheltenham, Lüdenscheid in Germany, Feltre in Italy, and Drunen in the Netherlands.
The company said 730 employees are affected by the proposals across the five plants. Stay informed on Caerphilly news by signing up to our newsletter here
Hydro said the decision to close plants had been taken “based on a detailed review and analysis of the performance and market situation, with the aim to strengthen the long-term competitiveness of Hydro Extrusions’ business in Europe”. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here
Local MS Lindsay Whittle raised the proposed closure in the Senedd, and called on the Welsh Government to make a statement on what actions is it taking to engage with Norsk Hydro.
He said: “This is a devastating blow before Christmas. If the decision following the consultation period is to close, then we need the support of the Welsh Government to take urgent steps to make sure that there is retraining and hopefully new employment opportunities as soon as possible for these highly skilled workers.
“I visited the plant myself yesterday. I spoke to one worker. This is his sixth redundancy in his working life. Speaking as a former aluminium worker who was also made redundant in the 1980s, it’s a devastating blow.”
Responding to Mr Whittle, Welsh Government minister and Labour MS for the Vale of Glamorgan Jane Hutt said: “The news, of course, is very worrying for the Norsk Hydro workforce, both for their families and the community, and we stand ready to support the workforce affected by this decision.”
According to the Norsk Hydro website, a large majority of the aluminium they produce at the Bedwas plant is for the automotive sector. The aluminium is used in bumpers, sunroofs, steering column supports and other products for cars.
A spokesman for Hydro said: “Hydro announced on November 26 a proposal to close five European extrusion plants, including the plant in Bedwas.
“This is not an easy decision and not something we take lightly, but the proposal reflects prolonged weak demand and low capacity utilisation in the UK and Europe for our extrusion operations.
“Around 125 employees are potentially affected at Bedwas. A formal consultation with employee representatives and works council has begun.
“During this process, Hydro will discuss and negotiate solutions in accordance with local UK regulations. If confirmed, closure will likely take place during 2026.”
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