Andy Burnham has 'one last go' to save 250 jobs at Wigan glass factory

Andy Burnham is urging the Japanese owners of a Wigan glass factory to take 'one last look' at its decision to close, affecting 250 jobs.
Nippon Electric Glass, which is the largest fibre glass factory in the UK, has made the decision to close the site in Hindley Green at a board meeting on Wednesday (June 18). It comes after efforts by the local MP and a senior minister to save the factory in Leigh Road.
Greater Manchester's mayor, who is currently in Japan on a trade mission, met with the company this morning for 'one last go'.
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However, he did not sound hopeful. He told the Manchester Evening News: "I'm going to do my best and ask them to give it one last look."
The M.E.N. understands that the Labour mayor is hoping to work with the owners to repurpose the site if the closure decision is final.
Makerfield MP Josh Simons said he 'would leave no stone unturned' to help save the Leigh Road factory and enlisted help from the business and trade secretary Jonathan Reynolds. But in a letter to workers on Tuesday (June 17), the MP appeared to admit defeat.
Commenting on the decision on Wednesday (June 18), the Labour MP said: 'Both the Government and potential buyers worked flat out to meet every condition Nippon imposed — even when those conditions changed, repeatedly, often with very little notice."
Trade union GMB, which worked with Mr Simons to save the plant, said the closure is a 'bitter betrayal of workers and UK industry'.
Gary Edwards, GMB Regional Organiser, said: 'This is a deeply disappointing outcome for our members, their families and the wider Wigan community.
'Everyone involved worked tirelessly to try and secure the site's future.
'But for every solution we found, the company presented another problem. It became hard not to question how serious they were about doing a deal.
'These were skilled jobs in a vital industry. GMB will stand by our members and continue to fight for real investment in UK manufacturing.'
Nippon has been contacted for comment.

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