JOBS at a Blaenau Ffestiniog plastics factory will not be lost despite the closure of a sister factory on Anglesey.

More than 100 members of staff at the Rehau factory in Amlwch were made redundant last week after the German-owned firm saw a 70 per cent decline in demand for its products.

Bosses stressed this week that this would not mean job losses in Blaenau Ffestiniog’s Rehau factory, but it would mean a change in shift patterns for staff in the Meirionnydd town.

In a statement, Rehau said: “We are proposing to change the shift pattern at our Blaenau manufacturing site, which manufactures uPVC window profiles for the UK market and is therefore completely independent of our site in Amlwch. Subject to consultation, we are confident that this will allow us to not only secure jobs, but also enable both more flexible production capability and greater utilisation of machinery, ultimately ensuring the plant can adjust more easily to seasonable demand for uPVC windows and doors.”

Speaking on the job losses in Amlwch, Anglesey’s Assembly Member Rhun ap Iorwerth described the news as a “devastating blow” for the island.

The announcement comes six days after the news that Japanese firm Hitachi put its plans to build a new nuclear power station on hold.

Plaid Cymru AM Mr ap Iorweth said: “These jobs are vital and it’s an especially bitter pill to swallow given the news about Wylfa Newydd suspension last week. I will be seeking an urgent meeting with representatives at the Rehau facility and will also be contacting Welsh Government to make the case for significant investment in the island’s economy.”

Rehau said the Amlwch factory’s main manufacturing focus was a type of polymer called PVC Edgeband, which is used on desks and furniture.

However, demand for the material has plummeted, contributing to a “more than 70 per cent reduction” in demand for the firm’s products, a spokesman added.

“With no sign of this demand recovering, and further investment in Amlwch or utilisation of the site for the manufacture of alternative products impossible due to space restrictions, we have taken the difficult decision to propose the closure of the site.”