Wigan glass fibre closure 'bitter betrayal'

The closure of a Wigan glass factory is a ‘bitter betrayal of workers and UK industry’, GMB has said.

Nippon Electric Glass has today [Tuesday] announced the country's largest glass fibre factory in Hindley Green, Wigan, will shut at the cost of 250 skilled jobs.

the closure follows the collapse of rescue talks involving ministers, investors, and Labour’s leadership, after months of efforts to save the site.

Nippon, the Japanese owner, is accused of repeatedly shifting the goalposts, despite serious interest from buyers and backing from government.

GMB, alongside local MP Josh Simons, fought to keep the plant open.

Gary Edwards, GMB Regional Organiser, said:

“This is a deeply disappointing outcome for our members, their families and the wider Wigan community.

“Everyone involved worked tirelessly to try and secure the site’s future - including management on site.

“But for every solution we found, the company presented another problem. It became hard not to question how serious they were about doing a deal.

“These were skilled jobs in a vital industry. GMB will stand by our members and continue to fight for real investment in UK manufacturing.”

Josh Simons, MP for Makerfield, said:

“Both the Government and potential buyers worked flat out to meet every condition Nippon imposed—even when those conditions changed, repeatedly, often with very little notice.