Workers in north Wales are hoping fresh negotiations can save the threatened Action Makers factory on Bala's industrial estate.

More than a hundred workers at the scaffold-making factory were made redundant on Monday as the receivers moved in to try to save the company.

Talks are underway to save the jobs

Early indications show at least two potential buyers have shown an interest in the firm.

The Welsh Development Agency (WDA) says it is reasonably hopeful of a positive outcome but it is likely to be some days before the outcome is known.

Action Makers employed 110 workers and manufactured scaffolding, stairs and ladders which were exported to Europe and Australia.

Huge impact

Local MP Elfyn Llwyd and AM Dafydd Elis Thomas have both been in talks the owners and the WDA.

Staff turned up to work as usual on Monday morning only to be told the business had stopped trading.

The company, which had a turnover of �8m, has been established in the town for about six years but was taken over by new owners 18 months ago.

Gwynedd Councillor Dylan Edwards said losing 110 jobs would have a huge impact on the town.

It would have a massive effect on jobs and schools in this area Cllr Dylan Edwards

"This is one of the three largest factories in Bala and if these jobs are lost it would have a massive effect on jobs and schools in this area," he said.

Alternative employment

"The problem in this area is there is nothing in reserve when something like this happens.

"In other Gwynedd towns like Dolgellau, Caernarfon and Bangor local government and university offices provide alternative employment, but there is nothing here.

"I would like to see more white collar jobs coming to Bala and the relocation of administrative offices here.

Derek Oakley, Director of Tenon Recovery which has been appointed receivers to the company, said: "Action Makers Ltd have exhausted their short-term funding and are no longer able to meet their financial commitments.

"Regrettably, this has resulted in approximately 110 redundancies.

"We are reviewing their position and are currently looking for a potential buyer."