Save our 50 Powys jobs - demand AM & MP

5.28.38pm BST (GMT +0100) Fri 5th Jun 2009

Kirsty Williams and Roger Williams AM and MP for Brecon and Radnorshire have expressed their extreme concern at the sudden announcement that Benson heating of Knighton has been forced to call in administrators.

The firm employs over 50 people whose jobs are now under threat. Talks are being held to find alternatives to closure, including local takeover or management buy-out.

Kirsty said: "This is very worrying news for this rural Powys town, where the firm is a major employer and has been a highly successful business. These jobs are particularly important to an area where manufacturing employment opportunities are all too limited but provide a diversity of opportunity. Should these jobs be lost there is no other similar employer in the area.

"I am contacting the Deputy First Minister to ask for the support of the Welsh Government to ensure that this vital business is saved. Roger and I will remain in close contact with all parties involved and do all we can to push for the factory to continue trading without job losses.

Roger Williams said: "This is a very successful business which is highly regarded, both locally and nationally, and is widely perceived as a market leader.

"I've recently been working closely with Benson Heating and we they very hopeful of getting through this difficult part of the recession, with high hopes for retuning to full production in the Autumn.

"The factory, which produces Industrial heaters, has recently diversified into air conditioners. As its previous product was seasonal it had hoped that by diversifying it would be given a more even workload throughout year.

"Kirsty and I are looking to meet with the Management and staff as soon as possible to see what assistance we can seek from both Westminster and the Assembly."