Bleak days ahead as factory closes (From Western Telegraph)

Bleak days ahead as factory closes

AN uncharacteristic silence hangs over the redundant Dewhirst Ladieswear factory at Goodwick. The sewing machines have ground to a halt and all 168 workers have left for good.

The clothing manufacturer closed the factory on Thursday and the workforce found itself unemployed, facing an uncertain future in an area where jobs are scarce.

This factory had employed generations of the same families, grandmothers, daughters and grandchildren working side by side. Two years ago, when the factory was working to capacity, no-one could have predicted that by 2002 this important employer would have no manufacturing sites left in Wales.

It has transferred its operations overseas where labour is cheaper, blaming consumer pressure on prices.

The last shift was due to end at 6 pm on Thursday, but by midday the site was empty - the staff sent home early to contemplate their futures.

Thanks to a programme of support and training, several will be moving on to new careers - some to nursing, others to road haulage. A few have grabbed the opportunity of grant funding to launch their own businesses.

This still leaves many people without work, with only the short-term comfort of redundancy packages to see them through the winter.

There was a message of support and sympathy from the area's Euro MP, Jill Evans. Speaking from Brussels, she acknowledged that it was a devastating time for the families and community involved. "Everyone feels a tremendous sympathy for those involved and wishes them the best for the future,'' she said.

A Dewhirst spokesman echoed her sentiments. "It is a very sad day,'' he said.

Jill Evans was highly critical of Dewhirst, accusing it of betraying what she described as its loyal, hard-working and profit-making staff at the Goodwick factory.

A costed and prioritised action plan for the area is currently being drawn up by Pembrokeshire County Council, the Welsh Development Agency, Education and Learning Wales, politicians and business leaders.

It will be submitted to Andrew Davies, the National Assembly economic development minister, at the end of January.