140 jobs to go at two factories

The loss of a major contract is leading to job cuts at the cheese-packing plant

The transfer of a cheese-packing contract could lead to 93 job cuts at a factory in north Wales.

First Milk said the loss of a contract worth around 40% of its business at its Maelor plant in Wrexham meant they required fewer staff.

Meanwhile, a company that makes earth-moving equipment is closing its Tredegar factory with 47 job cuts.

Geith International said the closure was "nothing to do with the workforce" and blamed the economic downturn.

The jobs will now be phased out between now and January.

The remaining six jobs will be relocated within south Wales at the company's Korean parent group, Doosan Infracore.

A consultation period has already taken place.

The Tredegar factory is based at the Crown Business Park, next door to the Wacker Neuson plant, where 97 jobs are at risk with the closure of a production line.

Voluntary redundancy

The general manager at First Milk in Maelor Chris Palmer said the move of the Dairy Crest cheese contract to a plant in Nuneaton from January meant there would be job losses at the factory.

"We are speaking with the unions covering the Maelor site and hope that by announcing this news as early as possible that we are able to achieve the role reduction we need primarily through voluntary redundancy," he said.

250 jobs will remain at the north Wales factory.

Consultation is now taking place with the two unions at the site, Usdaw and Unite.

A spokeswoman for Usdaw said: "We're in consultation and will be meeting with the company on Thursday."

The Welsh Assembly Government said the decision to relocate the business outside Wales was regrettable.

A spokesperson added: "We are advised by the company that there is an extensive package of support available to those staff affected and that they will be given every assistance necessary to find alternative employment.

"Officials are maintaining close dialogue with the company in light of this announcement and will be on hand to offer support where required."