Following months of speculation at Workington’s Tata Steel, it has been confirmed that the site’s copper plant has shut down, with the loss of 32 positions.
The company revealed last year that 75 jobs were to go across the whole site, with the foundry being the main casualty.
A rescue plan was launched earlier this year and hopes were lifted when it looked like a potential buyer had been found for the foundry.
But, after extensive talks, the takeover fell through at the eleventh hour and the firm announced in June that its closure was imminent.
The last cast has now been produced and the foundry is being decommissioned.
It is understood that the workers have been moved elsewhere in the plant for the time being, but it is not known what the future holds for them.
Craig Scott, managing director Tata Steel Projects, said: “Tata Steel worked closely with unions and politicians to try to find a solution other than the closure of the foundry.
“Unfortunately that was not successful and so it must be remembered this action is being taken to ensure the future of the business as a whole.
“Tata Steel is committed to Workington and we now need to keep focussed on the future.”
The company could not give any details about how many jobs have already gone at the site, and if any of the foundry workers would be kept on. However, the company said in June that all of the other 43 employees at the factory who were losing their jobs had been notified and Tata would honour its commitment to the apprentices at the site, allowing them to complete training.
Workington MP Sir Tony Cunningham told the News & Star: “It’s a sad day for Workington and a blow to the area now that the copper foundry has closed. Myself, as well as others, worked hard to save the foundry and we were optimistic that a deal could be made.”
Speaking at the time the sale collapsed, the top man at Britain’s Energy Coast, Steven Szostak, described the move as disappointing.
He said: “We worked very closely with Tata Steel and with the potential purchaser of the foundry to assist with the sale, which despite all efforts to secure a deal, has not been possible.”
Source:newsandstar.co.uk
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