A WORKERS union has described the closure of a Llanfyllin car parts factory as an 'enormous blow', after the news was confirmed on Thursday.

Unite the Union, which represents workers at Stadco, in Ffordd Y Cain, say it is in 'extreme dismay' at the announcement by the firm that it intendd to close its manufacturing facility in Llanfyllin.

Officials said the news came as a complete shock to Unite and the workforce, with 129 jobs at Llanfyllin set to go from the factory which produces panels for major car manufacturers.

A further 43 jobs are set to be lost in Telford and the West Midlands and Unite regional officer David Griffiths said the announcement was a shock.

READ MORE: Stadco announces plans to close of Llanfyllin plant

“This news has come out of nowhere and has caused immense distress to the workforce," said Mr Griffiths.

"Stadco are one of the largest manufacturing employers in Powys and an award winning manufacturer.

"This planned closure would be an enormous blow to the economy of Mid Wales and would be devastating for the workers and their families.

"Unite will do everything it can to fight to retain these jobs, we will leave no stone unturned in our pursuit with Stadco and Magna the parent company, to find a solution to this planned closure.

"Magna have committed themselves to social responsibility within their mission statement as a company.

"We expect them to live up to their word and work with Unite and the Welsh Government to explore every avenue available to prevent closure."

Meanwhile, Montgomeryshire MP Craig Williams also expressed his dismay at the announcement.

"This is devastating news, and has come as a complete shock to the community," he said.

"I am currently working with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office to establish the status of Stadco’s parent group Magna in Canada, and am pulling together resources from the UK Government and the DWP to determine what support can be put in place for workers.

"I am also working closely with Russell George MS and Cllr Peter Lewis over Welsh Government support.”

Russell George MS, Member of the Welsh Parliament for Montgomeryshire said: "This has come as a complete shock to the workforce and at totally the wrong time as we all deal with the effect of the Covid-19 pandemic on our lives and livelihoods. It will come as devastating news to the 129 workers at Stadco and their families.

"During the consultation period, I will be working with my colleague, Cllr. Peter Lewis to make representations to Stadco and its parent company, Magna International, in an effort to safeguard these important manufacturing jobs for the Llanfyllin community.

"Stadco is too important as a major manufacturing company in North Powys to allow it to close without making every effort to find a workable solution."

Cllr. Peter Lewis, County Borough Councillor for Llanfyllin added: "This will come as a serious blow to Llanfyllin and all of the families which are affected at the Ffordd-y-Cain plant.

"Stadco is the largest employer in Llanfyllin and the surrounding area and only recently made a £2 million investment in the factory last year with a further £2 million allocated for next year.

"We all know that Covid-19 has drastically affected the car manufacturing industry which will have a knock on effect on car parts companies like Stadco but what was a successful and viable business in 2019 should be a successful business in 2021.

"I will be working closely with Russell George MS, Craig Williams MP and others in pressing both the UK and Welsh Governments to provide support to a company which is of crucial economic importance to our community here in Llanfyllin."

In a statement released on Thursday, Magna said they would work with trade unions to ensure the best possible outcome.

A spokesman said: "A period of formal collective consultation will now begin with the recognised trade union, employee representatives and individuals as appropriate."