55 jobs to go as Ebbw Vale firm closes (From South Wales Argus)

55 jobs to go as Ebbw Vale firm closes

9:33am Friday 5th March 2010

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A VALLEYS site which makes steering columns for cars will close later this year at the cost of 55 jobs.

ZF Steering Systems Nacam Limited on the Rassau Industrial Estate in Ebbw Vale will close after discussions opened in early December.

The plant is owned by ZF Lenksysteme GmbH, a joint venture between Bosch and ZF Friedrichshafen.

General manager Trevor Fox said the international economic crisis and problems affecting the automotive industry have seriously impacted the business.

He said the recent crisis comes on top of a reduction in activity due to a lack of new contracts and financial losses in the Rassau plant stretching back several years.

The company has been reviewing options with representatives of the workforce since discussions started last year.

He said they have come to the conclusion that continuing operations in the Rassau plant was no longer viable.

Mr Fox could not say exactly when this would be as it was subject to review with the workforce, customers and suppliers, but would be this year.

He said discussions with the workforce representatives regarding the timing and terms of the closure will be opened immediately.

He stressed the decision to close the plant was no reflection on the performance of staff.

Independent Assembly Member for Blaeanu Gwent, Trish Law, said she was highly disappointed that such a quality company offering well-paid jobs is going out of existence.

She had intervened and invited the Minster for the Economy and Transport, Ieuan Wyn Jones, to offer any assistance but she now accepts there is very little prospect of rescuing the company.

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