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250 solar panel jobs go at Sharp's Wrexham factory Hundreds of jobs at Sharp to be cut firm announces
(about 1 hour later)
Electronics giant Sharp is cutting 250 jobs and ceasing solar panel production at its Wrexham factory, it has said. Electronics giant Sharp is ceasing solar panel production at its Wrexham factory with the loss of hundreds of jobs.
It said the decision to close its solar manufacturing facility at Llay was "unavoidable" given trading conditions which "left Wrexham's output uncompetitive". Sharp said it was cutting 250 posts and was not renewing agency workers' contracts - thought to be about 365.
The factory will continue to produce microwave ovens. The company said the decision affecting its Llay factory was "unavoidable" given trading conditions which "left Wrexham's output uncompetitive".
The company said its European solar business is being transformed to ensure "regeneration and long-term growth". The plant is due to end its solar panel production in February.
Sharp said its European solar business was being transformed to ensure "regeneration and long-term growth".
In a statement, Sharp boss Hiroshi Sasaoka said the decision was difficult to make.In a statement, Sharp boss Hiroshi Sasaoka said the decision was difficult to make.
"It is with sincere regret that we have decided to end solar panel production in Wrexham. "It is with sincere regret that we have decided to end solar panel production in Wrexham," he said.
"Our employees are our greatest asset, and we have been fortunate to have a loyal, hardworking and committed workforce since we began solar production here in 2004."Our employees are our greatest asset, and we have been fortunate to have a loyal, hardworking and committed workforce since we began solar production here in 2004.
"The Wrexham facility will continue to produce microwave ovens, and we will be investigating additional products for development.""The Wrexham facility will continue to produce microwave ovens, and we will be investigating additional products for development."
The closure of the solar manufacturing facility is expected by the end of February. Wrexham council leader councillor Neil Rogers said: "This is obviously very disappointing news particularly for those staff who have lost their jobs."
MP Ian Lucas said the loss of the jobs was a "hammer blow" to the town.