A TOTAL of 81 workers are at risk of losing their jobs at a Yate structural steel factory.
The Billington Structures plant in Badminton Road would close if the plan goes ahead.
The company announced the move as part of restructuring plans, which it says would see structural steel operations “consolidated” at two plants in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.
The announcement comes a year after another major Yate employer, Beko Europe, confirmed the closure of its tumble dryer factory in Station road, which resulted in the loss of more than 100 jobs.
Billingtons’ public statement said: “The company has commenced a consultation with the potentially affected employees at Yate, following which a formal decision will be made on the future of the Yate facility.”
A spokesperson for the Yorkshire-based company confirmed to the Voice that 81 jobs were at risk.
She said: “As a result of the ongoing subdued economic environment Billingtons has reviewed how it is able to maintain its current capacity while optimising its cost base to ensure it is able to remain competitive.
“Site and recruitment difficulties are more challenging at the Yate facility, and the Barnsley facilities provide greater flexibility and ability to effectively increase productive output.
Relocation to ‘other facilities and roles’
“I must emphasise that this is currently a proposal, and a period of consultation will be entered into with the affected employees at our Yate facility.
“The staff placed at risk relate to production activities and not to the technical staff at the facility.
“Should, after the appropriate consultation has been completed, the proposal result in the amalgamation of the production output/capacity at Billingtons’ two other manufacturing plants in Barnsley, there would be vacancies made available to staff to relocate to other facilities and roles within Billingtons.
“Following the announcement, the company is aware that the uncertainty regarding the future of the production facility at Yate is unsettling for employees and Billington will do everything it can to support its people during the period of consultation.”
Thornbury & Yate MP Claire Young (pictured above outside the plant) has raised concerns.
She said: “This operation has been part of Yate’s economy for many years, providing valuable jobs to local people.
“I have asked for an urgent meeting with Billington’s management to find out more about their plans.”