David today voiced his disquiet over news that Cranberry Foods may be making redundancies at their Abergavenny plant.
Cranberry Foods, which was established in 2003, opened its production outlet in Wales to help supply its turkey products across the UK , but has recently been considering decreasing its workforce significantly. This has resulted from an increase in the market share of supermarkets, who have been importing cheap produce from Eastern Europe .
Speaking from Monmouthshire today, David said, “I am deeply troubled by the news that Cranberry Foods may be making redundancies, or possibly even closing its Abergavenny plant entirely. During a long conversation with their Head Office yesterday I informed Cranberry of my concerns and offered them any assistance I can give in the circumstances.
“Clearly this is a business-based decision, over which I have little power, but I would certainly be happy to make a case to the Welsh Assembly Government for assisting with capital costs for any investment that might be needed to keep the Abergavenny site viable.
""I have written to Andrew Davies, the Minister for Enterprise at the Welsh Assembly, to alert him to the potential job losses and to seek his firm assurance that in the owrse case scenario the Assembly will give the same support to the Abergavenny workers that was given to Newport Steelworkers.
""At this stage Cranberry has not made a firm decision as to the future of the Abergavenny plant and I am still holding out hope that all jobs there will be maintained. Of course any constituent who wishes to speak to me on this matter can contact me by phone, letter or e-mail.”