Jobcuts at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions deals another blow to manufacturing sector in Montgomeryshire

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Montgomeryshire Liberal Democrats <montlibdems@gmail.com>

Jobcuts at Trelleborg Sealing Solutions deals another blow to manufacturing sector in Montgomeryshire - Öpik

March 11, 2009 3:21 PM

Speaking during Welsh Questions today Lembit Öpik, Liberal Democrat MP for Montgomeryshire, questioned the Secretary of State for Wales over the state of the manufacturing sector in Mid Wales:

"Only yesterday I received notice that the Newtown factory branch of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions will make around 56 jobcuts: following similar examples at Stadco and Floform. What plans does the Secretary of State have to make sure that the manufacturing skills gap does not widen in this area that has proven so significant to the Montgomeryshire and to invest Government funding to replace traditional jobs lost in the manufacturing economy with new sustainable jobs in the green economy?"

He also asked what plans the Government had to replace jobs lost in the manufacturing sector and elsewhere in the green economy, diverting investment into the green industries including in manufacturing.

The Secretary of State emphasised the need to spread news of available Welsh Assembly and UK Government help to all businesses in Wales. In particular, he mentioned the ProAct scheme, for which there have been 75 applications altogether, with 66 from the automotive industry. He also expressed support for furthering investment in the green economy to replace those jobs lost in the manufacturing industry.

Ends/diwedd

Notes to editor:

Lembit Öpik: Only yesterday, I received notice that the Newtown factory branch of Trelleborg Sealing Solutions is to cut about 56 jobs, following similar examples at Stadco and Floform. What plans does the Secretary of State have to make sure that the manufacturing skills gap does not widen in Montgomeryshire, and is there potential to divert money specifically into the manufacturing base in mid-Wales, so that we can replace the jobs that we are losing with green jobs in the green economy, which provides both manufacturing opportunities and sustainable economic activity for the longer term?

Mr. Murphy: Yes, and that is certainly a priority of the United Kingdom Government, and of the Welsh Assembly Government, too. It is important that the hon. Gentleman and other Members who represent Welsh constituencies are aware of the various schemes available to businesses in Wales, particularly the ProAct scheme. It is unique to Wales and is very effective. Some 75 applications have now been processed, and 66 of them are from the automotive industry. Ten have been accepted. That represents nearly 6,000 workers, so it is a very real scheme, and it means that real money goes to help businesses such as the one that the hon. Gentleman described. I take the point that he makes about the green industry; that is a priority for both Governments.