The announcement that 104 people are set to lose their jobs with the closure of a plastics factory on Anglesey has been met with dismay by local councillors.

Today, German manufacturer REHAU has confirmed proposals that may lead to the closure of its manufacturing facility in Amlwch, where it produces edgebands and tambour doors for the furniture sector.

The decision, blamed on a declining export market for PVC Edgeband and roller-shutter, comes despite the firm’s efforts to secure the future of the site including  a change in shift patterns to improve productivity and investment in new machinery.

According to local councillor, Richard Griffiths, the news has come “like a bolt from the blue.”

“This is a massive blow for Amlwch, coming just days after the announcement that Wylfa Newydd nuclear plant is being suspended,” he said.

“REHAU has been synonymous with Amlwch for 50 years and has been a major employer in the area.

“This has come as a bolt from the blue and is very distressing news for the town and Anglesey as a whole.”

Fellow ward councillor, Richard Owain Jones, added: “It was a massive blow when Octel shut but this is at least as big an impact if not more.

“A large chunk of the workforce live within walking distance, it is such a vital employer in Amlwch.”

A spokesman for REHAU confirmed that the plan is to transfer production of all Edgeband and roller-shutters to the group’s other European facilities that have available production capacity.

The company added, “In line with our corporate values, we intend to go above and beyond in the support we offer at this difficult time.

“This will include a consultation period and the active consideration of all proposals by individual employees to transfer to other roles within REHAU UK.

“We understand that this proposal will have significant impact on our workforce and the local community, but we firmly believe that they are necessary to make the company stronger and to place it in the best position to face future challenges and opportunities.”

Rhun ap Iorwerth AM called the news "devastating".

"The news regarding the proposed closure of the REHAU facility in Amlwch is another devastating blow, but again particularly the north of the island which has already been severely affected by the news of the Wylfa Newydd project’s suspension last week," he said.

“My thoughts are with the 104 employees facing job losses and the wider community, where these jobs are so vital – less than a week after the Wylfa Newydd announcement, I can’t express just how much of a blow this is to the area.

“I will be seeking an urgent meeting with representatives at the REHAU facility in Amlwch, with the hope of visiting there tomorrow, and I will also be contacting Welsh Government at once to once again make the case for significant investment in the island’s economy. We need urgent action now.