THE loss of up to 330 jobs is on the cards for Mabey Bridge factory workers after the company announced plans to close its Station Road site last Thursday (11th December).

The town centre site currently employs 150 people. There is also talk of selling the renewables division at the Newhouse Industrial Park, which employs 180.

Ministers, local councillors and business organisations have all expressed their surprise and dismay at the closure.

David Davies MP said: "This is very disappointing news for everyone in Chepstow.

"I met with Mabey Bridge's chief executive when the news broke, as well as some senior management within the company.

"They explained that the site has been losing money for a number of years and they are unable to continue their supply of products.

"The company has rolled out a voluntary redundancy scheme across the group, and jobs are also being sought elsewhere within the company. Using methods like this, executives are trying to keep down the number of job losses from the site but there will inevitably be redundancies. This will be a very sad day for Chepstow.

"My thoughts and sympathies are with Mabey Bridge's very skilled and capable workforce."

Mayor of Chepstow, Ned Hayward said: "The closure of the bridge building factory after 160 years of that industry in Chepstow will be a great loss both to the town and South Wales. Not only will jobs be lost but heavy manufacturing and advanced engineering skills as well.

"We have known for some years that bridge building was moving from the Riverside site but had been told that it would be transferred to Newhouse Industrial Park adjacent to the turbine tower business.

"Now that business has been placed up for sale it is to be hoped that it will find a buyer who is able to invest and expand production and create more jobs. Mabey Bridge has its modular bridge factory a few miles up the Severn at Lydney, and hopefully, if that is expanded, some Chepstow workers may be able to transfer to that site."

William Graham, shadow minister for business, enterprise and skills and Conservative AM for South Wales East, said: "I am completely surprised by this announcement.

"I hope that a buyer can be quickly found for the renewables section and preserve skilled employment opportunities in the area.

"I note that the company has identified changes to make a stronger, more sustainable future for Mabey Bridge's modular bridge business in Lydney. Although just 10 miles away, hopefully this will allow people to transfer within the company; but it will result in skilled engineering and manufacturing jobs leaving Wales.

"I have contacted the Minister to confirm the arrangements and support to be provided for these 150 employees and the opportunities for the Welsh Government to act to retain these jobs, which are vital for the local and Welsh economy".

A statement from the company to workers, said: "We regret to confirm that we have informed our employees today of the proposed closure of the Mabey Bridge Infrastructure division at Chepstow.

We also told employees that we have taken the very difficult decision to prepare the Renewables division and the Newhouse site for sale.

"We have not made these decisions lightly and we understand that this is a very difficult time for our people. Their welfare is an important concern for us and we will provide them with as much support as possible over the coming weeks.

"A full consultation process will now be conducted with all those affected and we will provide them with as much information as possible. We are also committed to listening to their views.

"Regarding the renewables division at the Newhouse site, we anticipate that a buyer can be found to provide the necessary investment to support this business in the long-term.

"Like many companies we are forced to consider every possible option to remain competitive in difficult times. The proposal follows a comprehensive review of the Mabey Bridge business.

"We are confident that these proposed changes will help build a stronger, more sustainable future for Mabey Bridge's modular bridge business in Lydney."