3M confirm closure of Gorseinon plant after employee consultation concluded

3M has announced that it has concluded consultation with employees at its site in Gorseinon Road, Penllergaer. 

Discussions started on 8 July, when the company shared proposals for the closure of the site. 

3M says that the Gorseinon site has experienced ongoing underutilisation and has been impacted by changes in the segments it serves, namely the personal care industry; the collision aftermarket and vehicle repair centres. 

Lars Hanseid, Managing Director, 3M North Europe Region, said: “Alternative strategies have now been explored and it has been confirmed that 89 positions will be made redundant.”

Over the next 24 months, the Gorseinon site’s manufacturing operations will move to existing 3M facilities worldwide, including Bangor, Northern Ireland.

Mr Hanseid continued: “I would like to express my sincere appreciation of our employees’ commitment and professionalism, not only through the consultation, but also as we now go through the period of transition.

“The company regrets the loss of any jobs, but we believe this move is the only way forward for the future of the business.”

A range of support services will be available for affected employees, including outplacement assistance and financial advice.

The plant, which opened in 1952, would have celebrated it’s 70th anniversary next year. It is the American company’s oldest manufacturing facility outside the US.

(Lead image: Geograph / Nigel Davies)