250 jobs at risk as UK's largest glass factory set to close in Wigan
More than 250 jobs have been put at risk as trade unions and local politicans warn the largest fibre glass factory in the UK is set to close.
The NEG Nippon Electric Glass Fiber Works (EGFU), based at Hindley Green near Wigan, has been owned by the Japanese company since 2016 and was a major part of their planned expansion into the European market.
The future of the site has been in doubt since April, when NEG announced they were looking for a buyer to take over their UK branch.
At a Board of Directors meeting held on Wednesday 18 June, the company's president Akira Kishimoto announced they would "cease operations" of their UK subsidiary.
The President confirmed the site will "stop its production in late June".
Despite working with the company to find a new owner, Labour MP for Makerfield Josh Simons has published an open letter to workers in which he says that "Nippon is unwilling to do a deal to secure the future of this site and your jobs."
He said: "I am angry and I will stand up for you in the coming days to secure whatever support I can for you and your families.
"I want you to know that I value and respect the work you do. I care very much about doing my absolute best for you, for this community, and for industry in the UK.
"In this age of insecurity, it matters where things are made and who makes them, and I will push for this site and Hindley Green to be at the front of the queue for future investment opportunities."
GMB Regional Organiser Gary Edwards described the decision to close the sight as "deeply disappointing" and a "bitter betrayal of workers and UK industry".
Mr Simons has been working with the Government, the GMB Union, and prospective buyers to secure the future of the sight, but said NEG repeatedly changed their conditions for any sale with little notice.
He said: "I am so sorry that we couldn't get this over the line. I know how anxious this period has been.
"I have spoken to many of you in recent weeks, as have Gary and your local councillors, and I can only imagine how you feel. I want you to know that your work is a source of pride for me, for this area, and for the country."
Gary Edwards added: 'Everyone involved worked tirelessly to try and secure the site's future.
'But for every solution we found, the company presented another problem. It became hard not to question how serious they were about doing a deal."
Mr Simons went on to invite workers to a meeting at the local Labour club with representatives of the GMB union, where he promised to explain what had happened and explain the next steps they could take.
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