Britain’s manufacturing industry has taken yet another blow as German parts maker Bosch announces the closure of its UK plant.
The decision to close the facility based in Minskin, south Wales, came after Bosch entered a 90-day consultation process to evaluate the future of the plant.
After the review revealed that sales of alternators made at the plant fell nearly 45 per cent between 2008 and 2009 and are expected to drop a further 65 per cent in 2010, Bosch were forced to further consolidate their international operations, according to Business Monitor
It is estimated the company has cut back on around 10,000 members of its global workforce over the past year with the Welsh closure affecting around 900 employees who have been left "devastated".
In an interview with the Independent David Lewis, a spokesman for trade union Unite, described the decision as a "devastating blow" for the staff and their families.
He said the manufacturing company had failed to support any proposals set out by the trade union.
The news comes just days after the Office for National Statistics revealed UK manufacturing had fallen by 5.4 per cent from November 2008 to the same month in 2009.
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