More than 500 jobs are in danger after a healthcare agency introduced it intends to stop manufacturing at a producing plant in Bridgend.
Zimmer Biomet, which employs 540 folks on the website in south Wales, supplies medical provides for joint reconstruction, bone and skeletal restore, sports activities medication, backbone and dental reconstruction.
The Welsh authorities described the deliberate closure as "extremely disappointing news".
In a press release, the corporate introduced a proposal to stop manufacturing on the plant.
They stated native crew leaders have met with union representatives and staff.
A session will now start to take a look at options and "how to limit" job losses.
Maria Silva, plant director at Zimmer Biomet Bridgend, stated the corporate was "committed to treating people with dignity and respect" and aimed to be "as transparent as possible throughout the consultation".
"Our focus is on maintaining a robust supply chain and reliable delivery to our customers," she added.
"If a decision is taken to proceed, we have planned how to transfer production safely and effectively to other locations in Zimmer Biomet's global network."
The firm stated the announcement wouldn't have an effect on crew members in its UK industrial and analysis & improvement groups or on the Bridgend industrial distribution centre.
Zimmer Biomet stated it stays "committed to customers, patients and team members in the UK".
The Welsh authorities's economic system minister, Vaughan Gething, stated the news was "deeply concerning" for workers and "the wider community".
"The Welsh government is now engaging with the company to understand the rationale for this decision and explore any options that exist to protect these jobs," he stated.
"Our priority now is to support the staff affected by today's announcement.
"We can be working intently with Bridgend County Borough Council, the Department for Work and Pensions and the plant's commerce union to make sure staff obtain the assist they want."
The Welsh Conservatives said the news was "past disappointing".
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The chief of Bridgend County Borough Council, Cllr Huw David, stated the news had come as a "complete shock".
"Zimmer Biomet is a major employer across Bridgend County Borough, and this news has come as a complete shock not only to the company's skilled and loyal workforce, but to the local authority as well," he stated.
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