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| Linde: Jobs threat in Merthyr forklift factory closure talks | |
| (35 minutes later) | |
| The owner of a factory employing 203 people making forklift trucks in Merthyr Tydfil has announced plans for its closure. | |
| The Kion Group said the factory has never made a profit since it was reorganised in 2007. | |
| A 90-day period of consultation is getting under way with staff. | |
| The company said that if the closure goes ahead workers will be offered the opportunity to apply for positions at other sites. | |
| In a statement, Gordon Riske, chief executive officer of Kion Group, said: "Despite all possible efforts, including a sustained period of restructuring since 2007, the site has never reached profitability in the face of strong macro-economic headwinds. | |
| "With much regret, the Kion board has decided to enter into consultation about the potential closure of the site in order to ensure the future competitiveness and long-term sustainability of the group." | |
| The Merthyr Tydfil site employs 203 people in manufacturing, engineering, sales, service and administration. | |
| The company said the consultation with the affected employees, worker representatives, and unions will begin soon and will last for at least 90 days. | |
| If this consultation results in a decision to close the plant, Kion will provide as much assistance as possible to employees seeking alternative work or training. | |
| The company said the group will offer the opportunity to apply for vacant positions at other sites to the employees affected and also work with employees and their representatives to agree on appropriate loyalty and severance packages. |