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Bridgend, UK (pte039/30.06.2005/13:43) - The Japanese electronics company Sony http://www.sony.com is cutting one fifth of its UK workforce due to a dramatic change in consumer preference. The plant in Bridgend, South Wales, which has manufactured cathode tubes for traditional TV sets for over 30 years, will lose 650 of its jobs because consumers now prefer flat-screen TVs.
Another factor for the dismissals, however, is that Sony has decided not to invest in new technology in its UK sites, effectively ending TV production in Europe, say union officials. Along with the 400 lost jobs at Bridgend, the company is cutting a further 250 at an assembly plant in the nearby town of Pencoed.
An Amicus (union) spokesman said: "Sony have failed to invest in new technology and new products at their plants in Bridgend and this is a devastating blow for the local community and the whole of Wales."
"The Bridgend plant that is closing employed over 1,000 people just a year ago and these jobs are almost impossible to replace."
Yet another blow for the Welsh workforce was the announcement by chewing gum manufacturer Wrigley that it would be closing its plant in Bridgend in order to move its Altoids sweets production to the United States.
Tony Blair has promised to help the affected workers. "We will do everything we can to help people in this situation," he said.
Andrew Davies, Welsh economic development minister, said he was "extremely disappointed" at the news. "We, together with our partners, are leading a rapid-response team to provide support for those affected by today's announcements, which is the result of a rapid and irreversible decline in European demand for cathode-ray tube technologies.
"These jobs will not be relocated anywhere else, it's purely a matter of this product ceasing production."
It is hoped that a regeneration scheme can be negotiated with Sony and EU officials.
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