More than 500 jobs are at risk after a healthcare firm announced it intends to cease production at a manufacturing plant in Bridgend.
Zimmer Biomet, which employs 540 people at the site in south Wales, provides medical supplies for joint reconstruction, bone and skeletal repair, sports medicine, spine and dental reconstruction.
The Welsh government described the planned closure as “extremely disappointing news”.
In a statement, the company announced a proposal to cease manufacturing at the plant.
They said local team leaders have met with union representatives and employees.
A consultation will now begin to look at alternatives and “how to limit” job losses.
Maria Silva, plant director at Zimmer Biomet Bridgend, said the company was “committed to treating people with dignity and respect” and aimed to be “as transparent as possible throughout the consultation”.
“Our focus is on maintaining a robust supply chain and reliable delivery to our customers,” she added.
“If a decision is taken to proceed, we have planned how to transfer production safely and effectively to other locations in Zimmer Biomet’s global network.”
The company said the announcement would not affect team members in its UK commercial and research & development teams or at the Bridgend commercial distribution centre.
Zimmer Biomet said it remains “committed to customers, patients and team members in the UK”.
The Welsh government’s economy minister, Vaughan Gething, said the news was “deeply concerning” for staff and “the wider community”.
“The Welsh government is now engaging with the company to understand the rationale for this decision and explore any options that exist to protect these jobs,” he said.
“Our priority now is to support the staff affected by today’s announcement.
“We will be working closely with Bridgend County Borough Council, the Department for Work and Pensions and the plant’s trade union to ensure employees receive the support they need.”
The Welsh Conservatives said the news was “beyond disappointing”.
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The leader of Bridgend County Borough Council, Cllr Huw David, said the news had come as a “complete shock”.
“Zimmer Biomet is a major employer across Bridgend County Borough, and this news has come as a complete shock not only to the company’s skilled and loyal workforce, but to the local authority as well,” he said.
