Bridgend medical manufacturer confirms 540 jobs at risk

The company, which makes hip and knee replacements, made the announcement after meeting with staff and unions at the site on Thursday morning (29 June).

A spokesperson for Zimmer Biomet said: “Today, Zimmer Biomet announced a proposal to cease manufacturing in Bridgend, Wales.

“The local leadership team has met with union representatives and employees to advise them of the proposal and will begin a consultation to evaluate alternatives and how to limit the loss of jobs.  

“Zimmer Biomet employs 540 team members at the manufacturing site.

“We recognise the effect a closure would have on team members and the community, and we are committed to treating people with dignity and respect, and to being as transparent as possible throughout the consultation.

“Our focus is on maintaining a robust supply chain and reliable delivery to our customers. If a decision is taken to proceed, we have planned how to transfer production safely and effectively to other locations in Zimmer Biomet’s global network.

“This announcement does not affect team members in our UK Commercial and R&D teams or at the Bridgend commercial distribution centre.

“We remain committed to customers, patients and team members in the UK, as we continue to invest in R&D and bring innovative solutions to market.”

Commenting on the news, Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Economy, Paul Davies MS: “First and foremost, our thoughts are with the workers and their families who will be impacted by this devastating news.

“The Welsh Government needs to immediately take steps to support those who now might need to find new jobs and assess the wider effect of these losses on the local community and economy.

“It is beyond disappointing that once again Wales is being hit by more shattering news, on top of figures which showed that unemployment grew in Wales but shrunk in other parts of the UK. The Labour Government must take action to focus on creating more jobs for local people, rather than on vanity projects that help no one.”

Local Welsh Conservative Regional Members of the Senedd for South Wales West, Dr Altaf Hussain MS and Tom Giffard MS, added: “Time and time again Bridgend and the local area is hit by crushing job losses with major employers quitting Wales, leaving massive holes in our neighbourhoods hurting families and our community.

“It is not good enough for the Labour Government to be reactive to this news, they need to actually be proactive in attracting companies to Bridgend and supporting them to thrive.

“We will be working with the those who now face a dark summer to give them the support they need and hold the Welsh Government to account to deliver new jobs for our region.”

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