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Uncertain future for tape factory Uncertain future for tape factory
(30 minutes later)
The future of a long-established factory in Swansea is uncertain after managers announced a 90-day consultation with its 349 workers.The future of a long-established factory in Swansea is uncertain after managers announced a 90-day consultation with its 349 workers.
The 3M factory in Gorseinon, which opened in 1952, makes tapes, adhesives and aerosols but said it has experienced a decline in demand.The 3M factory in Gorseinon, which opened in 1952, makes tapes, adhesives and aerosols but said it has experienced a decline in demand.
The plant manager said "significant parts" of the business were facing "real challenges going forward."The plant manager said "significant parts" of the business were facing "real challenges going forward."
No such review is planned at 3M's other Welsh factory in Bridgend.No such review is planned at 3M's other Welsh factory in Bridgend.
Employees at 3M Gorseinon have been briefed on the challenges facing the site, said a statement from the company.Employees at 3M Gorseinon have been briefed on the challenges facing the site, said a statement from the company.
Unions are also in talks with management.Unions are also in talks with management.
John Bowers, plant manager, said: "We are experiencing a decline in demand for our products and this has forced us to consider the medium to longer term future of the plant.John Bowers, plant manager, said: "We are experiencing a decline in demand for our products and this has forced us to consider the medium to longer term future of the plant.
"Whilst we have identified some produce areas we believe will be sustainable over the longer term, there are also significant parts of the business facing real challenges going forward.""Whilst we have identified some produce areas we believe will be sustainable over the longer term, there are also significant parts of the business facing real challenges going forward."
Management had been working closely employees and the trade union to raise the plant's productivity, according to Mr Bowers, and everyone was working hard to reduce costs.Management had been working closely employees and the trade union to raise the plant's productivity, according to Mr Bowers, and everyone was working hard to reduce costs.
He added: "However, I think we all understand just how difficult it can be for manufacturers to remain competitive in the UK.He added: "However, I think we all understand just how difficult it can be for manufacturers to remain competitive in the UK.
Energy and oil prices had driven up the costs of raw materials leading to a "particularly tough time" in the last two years, he said.Energy and oil prices had driven up the costs of raw materials leading to a "particularly tough time" in the last two years, he said.
He said employees would be briefed on the outcome of discussions once the consultation period was complete.He said employees would be briefed on the outcome of discussions once the consultation period was complete.
The Gorseinon plant was set up in Gorseinon in 1952 and is the American company's oldest manufacturing facility outside the US.The Gorseinon plant was set up in Gorseinon in 1952 and is the American company's oldest manufacturing facility outside the US.
At its peak it employed 1,000 workers.At its peak it employed 1,000 workers.
The review began on Monday and is due to end in the second week of April.The review began on Monday and is due to end in the second week of April.
3M employs 75,000 people globally, including 3,850. 3M employs 75,000 people around the world, including 3,850 at its 17 plants in the UK.
Its 17 UK plants include the site in Bridgend which manufactures microbiology products for the food and environmental industry. The site in Bridgend manufactures microbiology products for the food and environmental industry.