Battery firm 'to lose 100 jobs'

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More than 100 jobs are to go at the Duracell battery factory in Wrexham, the company has confirmed.

The firm will shut its site on the town's industrial estate later next year.

The company, which employs 109 staff on site, manufactures batteries for hearing aids.

It plans to transfer the work to a new partner company. A spokesman said it would work closely with affected employees over the closure.

'Third party'

Duracell said in a statement: "After careful consideration, it has been decided that the best strategy for continued success in the hearing aid market is for Duracell to partner with a qualified third party for manufacturing.

"This approach will enable the company to more quickly and efficiently deliver a broader and deeper range of batteries for hearing impaired consumers."

The firm said it would "work closely" with workers at the plant in Ash Road on the Wrexham industrial estate "to support and help prepare them for the transition ahead."

The factory is expected to completely close by the end of summer 2007.