Union vows to fight for workers ahead of Shrewsbury Stadco closure
A union has vowed to fight to ensure 190 workers at a factory facing closure are given the chance to move to another of the company’s sites.
Yesterday it was announced casting firm Stadco, which has bases in Telford and in Llanfyllin near Oswestry, is proposing to close its Shrewsbury factory in Harlescott by the middle of next year.
The firm said it aims to move all 190 workers to its other plants, which include Castle Bromwich in the West Midlands.
However, Unite regional officer Matt Jones said it is a “worrying” time for employees and their families.
“The news that Stadco, a major employer in Shrewsbury, is proposing to close its base in the town, is a very significant blow to the local economy,” he said.
“Unite will be holding urgent talks with the management about the future of the 190-strong workforce.
"The firm says there will be employment opportunities for the staff at its three neighbouring sites across the region.
“However, we will want to explore, during the 45-day consultation period, exactly how feasible relocation to the company’s other sites will be for workers and what support may be available from the company to make that happen.
"We will also be asking for details as to the business rationale for this closure.”
The company, which is owned by American firm Magna, believes shutting the Shrewsbury factory is the best approach to respond to “challenging market conditions”.
In a statement the Michigan based firm said: “In recent years, Magna has pursued increased operational efficiencies and decreased costs across all its operations, all while strengthening its market presence.
"The company believes this is the best approach to position the overall business for growth and respond to the challenging market conditions.
"Plant management is currently in discussions with its customer as well as the works council.”
Shrewsbury MP Daniel Kawczynski said he is hoping to meet with Stadco’s board of directors in the coming days.
He said: "I'm setting up an urgent meeting to get a first hand account and to find out why these changes are happening.
"It is important to ensure the workers' rights are protected. If any of my constituents have concerns, they must contact me at my office. I am very happy to meet with them and to raise their concerns."
Mr Kawczynski can be contacted on 01743 233646..
