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Last Updated: Thursday, 16 December, 2004, 15:03 GMT
Car plant to relocate HQ to Paris
Calsonic
The plant in Llanelli has a workforce of about 1,000
A car components plant is to move its headquarters from Llanelli to France but says manufacturing jobs in the town are safe.

Calsonic Kansei is one of Llanelli's biggest employers with a workforce of around 1,000.

The Japanese-owned company confirmed on Thursday it is to base its headquarters in Paris.

Calsonic said the changes would affect a small number of employees who would be offered the chance to transfer.

The company is moving its headquarters to be closer to its European clients, in particular Renault.

European president David Pallas said the changes would happen within two years.

He said a research and development centre would be established in Paris to compliment the one in Llanelli.

"This major new investment is to support significant new business opportunities in mainland Europe and in particular with Renault," said Mr Pallas.

"Such close collaboration with Renault requires the establishment of such a facility near Paris.

"The current employees in the headquarters will be given opportunity to transfer to Paris.

"The manufacturing operation based on the same site in Llanelli is unaffected by these changes."

The company shed around 90 jobs in Llanelli in early 2003 blaming falling sales in the UK market.


SEE ALSO:
Car workers in voluntary cuts
13 Mar 03 |  Wales
Jobs cut at car parts plant
25 Feb 03 |  Wales
'Final chance' for 470 car jobs
23 Sep 04 |  South West Wales


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