Welshpool firm Shimizu could axe 30 jobs

One of Welshpool's biggest employers could axe more than 30 jobs in a bid to secure its future in the current economic climate, it has been revealed.

Bosses at Shimizu Industry UK Limited, better known as SI-UK, in Welshpool, said today they had been forced to make major changes because of the current economic climate.

They said they had no other option but to axe temporary staff and make up to 30 full time positions redundant.

It has been claimed that up to 100 permanent and temporary jobs could go but the company today said it had not yet released an exact figure.

In a joint statement released by Kenji Sakamaki, managing director, and Trevor Gaughan, executive director, said: "Due to the continuing difficult trading situation, SI-UK needs to re-organise its company structure.

"This will involve the laying off of all temporary staff and the possibility of up to 30 permanent staff being made redundant."

The firm, which is based on the Buttington Enterprise Park, on the outskirts of Welshpool, currently employs more than 170 people.

The company specialises in moulding plastic parts for a variety of industries which includes global brands like Epson, Honda and Jaguar among its clients.

Montgomeryshire MP Glyn Davies said it was hugely disappointing news for Welshpool.

He said: "Shimizu is a very important business to Welshpool, providing good jobs and good prospects for the future.

"It's disappointing that market conditions have made it necessary for the company to reduce the workforce by 30 and cancel all temporary working."