Hoover to leave Merthyr Tydfil for good

Hoover is withdrawing its remaining operation from Merthyr Tydfil after decades in the town.

Hundreds of jobs were lost when the firm stopped making washing machines there in 2009.

Now owners Haier have said they are leaving the town completely with the closure of its warehouse there.

Hoover thanked staff for their "many years of loyal service".

In a letter to Merthyr Tydfil and Rhymney MP Gerald Jones, Haier's UK human resources director Matthew Given said: "Last week we announced the difficult decision that we are close to selling our finished goods national distribution centre located in Merthyr Tydfil.

"This decision was not made lightly, particularly given Hoover’s long-term connection with Merthyr.

"However, economic realities have now necessitated a comprehensive review of market conditions and our operations.

"A final agreement to sell the land and leave the site is unlikely to be completed for between 12 and 18 months."

He said the business was proposing to move its warehouse operations to a firm called GXO Logistics in Rugby, Warwickshire.

"We understand the uncertainty this decision will create for our 45 warehouse colleagues and the local community, and we are committed to managing this transition with the utmost care and consideration," Mr Given said.

"We are sorry to be ending our long-held presence in Merthyr Tydfil which has played such an important part of the brand’s development and will always remain a significant part of Hoover’s history."

The Hoover factory opened in Merthyr Tydfil in 1948 and by 1973 more than 5,000 people worked there, with generations of families working at the plant.

But the factory slipped into decline, finally closing in 2009.

Mr Jones said the company's departure was the end of an era.

He said: “It’s incredibly sad that the 45 remaining jobs will leave the town, and I’m working with trade unions to ensure staff are supported through this time of change.”

Merthyr Tydfil council leader, Geraint Thomas, shared Mr Jones' sentiments.

"The firm has employed thousands of our residents over the years and brought with it much needed industry after the Second World War.

"Whilst we understand staff will have the opportunity to relocate to an alternative site in Rugby, we will work to support those who choose to stay in Merthyr Tydfil through our many employability training and support schemes."

A Hoover spokesman said: "Colleagues who are primarily involved in warehouse operations will have the opportunity to transfer to Rugby and will have their continuous employment and contractual rights protected.

"In addition to the opportunities at Rugby, we will explore any other available alternative employment opportunities within Hoover for our warehouse operations colleagues."

The Welsh government said it would ensure staff had support to get another job.

It was, it said, in talks with Merthyr Tydfil council about the site's future.

“We will continue those discussions alongside supporting the workforce affected,” a spokesman said.

Previously Merthyr Tydfil council said it would like the site developed as part of the new Metro transport network and for employment and housing.