A double jobs threat hangs over a business park in North Wales. Global inspection, testing and certification company SGS is looking to close its laboratory in Conwy this September and relocate all activities to Ellesmere Port.
It affects scores of workers at the Caer Seion business park site who will be offered the chance to relocate. But with the new site a 100 mile round trip away many will be forced to leave.
Meanwhile Unite say there are 27 jobs at risk at GeoSpec, part of geoscience firm CGG - which also has a base at Parc Caer Seion.
A worker at Swiss multi-national SGS, who doesn't want to be named, said it was sad to see skilled and well paid roles being lost in the region.
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They said with many staff settled in Conwy, Conwy Valley and villages like Llanfairfechan and Penmaenmawr then it was hard for them to relocate or commute. They added: "They will lose a lot of skills and experience with the closure, it is a real shame."
An SGS spokesman said: "Our laboratory in Conwy is planned to close in September 2022. All activities will be relocated to a larger laboratory in Ellesmere Port. We are making every effort to retain our Conwy staff.
"As part of this planned relocation, we initially informed employees of the laboratory closing in July 2021 and we are offering them the opportunity to transfer to Ellesmere Port with enhanced benefits. Employees who are unable to accept the relocation offer will receive a compensation package."
With GeoSpec, Unite said it was in formal consultation with management over the 27 potential redundancies. Unite said other roles could be opened locally for some of the affected staff and CGG would give priority to staff for new opportunities at other CGG locations.
Daryl Williams, Unite regional officer, said: “The news is a further blow to the economy in Conwy County. Many of the jobs being lost are highly skilled and represent a further cut in the workforce of CGG Robertson in North Wales.
"Unite will be offering every support possible to our members during this worrying and difficult time.”
CGG was asked to comment.
