Treforest Gelatin Plant Closure to Affect 96 Jobs

Belgium-based Tessenderlo Group, the owner of a factory in south Wales employing 96 individuals, has declared its intention to close the facility. The company cited “difficult conditions” within the industry and stated there was no “viable path forward” for its PB Leiner plant, located in Treforest, Rhondda Cynon Taf. Tessenderlo attributed this decision to “difficult market conditions” affecting its bone gelatin product, which is utilized in food manufacturing. In response, the GMB union characterized the proposed closure as a “potential hammer blow” for the region and committed to securing the most favorable outcome for its members. Tessenderlo is set to initiate a consultation process regarding the closure. While emphasizing that no definitive decisions have yet been reached, the company expressed regret, stating, “that this announcement may bring unrest and uncertainty to our people and community.” Regarding the Treforest closure and a restructuring at its Vilvoorde site in Belgium, the company stated, “We regret that this announcement may bring unrest and uncertainty to our people and community for the coming times.” Tessenderlo further indicated its belief that “the European bone gelatin will continue to experience difficult market conditions.” The company elaborated on its rationale, adding, “Given these ongoing challenges, combined with the need for substantial further investments to maintain an efficient production, we find the European bone gelatin business lacking any viable path forward.” Gareth Morgans, a GMB regional organiser, commented on the situation, stating, “This factory has been here in Treforest for generations.” He added, “This would be a real hammer blow for the local community.” Morgans further described the potential loss of “more good, unionised, manufacturing jobs” as a “disaster and would leave another scar in the history of Wales deindustrialisation.” He concluded by reiterating the union’s stance: “No decisions have been made yet, and GMB will fight… for the best deal for our members.”