Plans for 650-job glass factory scrapped

Plans to open a glass factory creating 650 jobs have been scrapped.

Ciner Glass announced it would open the factory on the Rassau Industrial Estate in Ebbw Vale, Blaenau Gwent, in July 2021.

However it said it would not proceed with plans for a glass bottling facility, but was seeking alternative investment projects for the site.

The company said it remained fully committed to making long-term investments in the UK and south Wales.

Ciner Glass said the decision followed an "extensive review of the commercial viability" of the plans, which showed "significant changes in UK market demand".

It said there would be no impact on community and sporting initiatives it backs, including Ebbw Vale Rugby Club and the Welsh Rugby Union's Fit , Fed, Fun campaign.

Blaenau Gwent council said it acknowledged changes to the plan and said it remained "committed to supporting economic growth" and "attracting investors".

It added: "We look forward to continuing to work closely with Ciner and partners as they look to develop new plans for the site."

The Welsh government said it was disappointed.

It said: "The company has indicated global market forces mean the glass packaging facility is no longer viable, but the decision will nonetheless be felt by the local community."