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NewsTranscript
00:00 The end of a shift at Sentient this afternoon and none of the workers wanted to respond to the news that the factory could close.
00:07 Here they make flavours and colouring for foods and it's been an important employer in the Ayron Valley for decades.
00:14 This news has come as a shock to the local area. In a statement the American owners of the company said they're looking to optimise their portfolio,
00:22 which means they're aiming to make savings of between 8 and 10 million dollars.
00:27 The plan could involve closing the factory here in the Ayron Valley and also another site in Spain.
00:33 Around 100 staff work here, many of them living in the local community.
00:38 The local councillor lives a stone's throw from the factory.
00:42 They are a massive employer in the area and if they close it's going to have a detrimental effect on the local area and the local economy.
00:49 Where else are we going to be able to find 100 jobs for local people?
00:55 The factory has provided good jobs for many local people over a number of years.
00:59 Some are able to walk to work and have been with the company for decades.
01:03 If the site closes, other local businesses will also feel the impact.
01:08 It's only a small community so it's a knock on effect in here.
01:13 A lot of workers come here for their lunch, fill up their cars, plus they've got families of their own to support as well.
01:20 People, families, how are they going to cope without any work, isn't it?
01:24 It's local work for the local community and you just need places.
01:30 It's going to be a disaster really.
01:34 Ceredigion Council did not have any prior notice of the company's plan to restructure
01:39 and in a statement a spokesperson for Welsh Government said the news was concerning
01:43 and that it's seeking an urgent response from Sentient at a worrying time for workers, their families and the wider community in Felinbach.
01:52 [BLANK_AUDIO]