A WREXHAM food factory is set to close with the loss of over 70 jobs, a union says.

Unite the Union says that Tyson Foods Wrexham Limited, a meat and poultry manufacturer, will close its premises at Llay in Wrexham at the end of September - resulting in the loss of 71 jobs.

Unite says that it is "devastating" news for a "loyal and dedicated" workforce, and that it's "more bad news" for the north east Wales economy - with this being the latest in a succession of large scale redundancies amongst local businesses in recent months amid the coronavirus pandemic.

Tyson Foods, which only acquired the business 12 months ago from BRF Wrexham Limited, had been in consultation with Unite for the last month in the hope that a buyer for the site could be found.

Jo Goodchild, Unite Wales regional officer, said: “This is devastating news for a loyal and dedicated workforce. The economy of North East Wales has seen a succession of large scale redundancies in recent months and today’s news is more bad news for the local area.

"This site was first opened in 1962 under Frimbo Foods and is one of the main employers for individuals in the locality of Llay in Wrexham.

"Some employees have worked at the site in excess of 40 years, it is the only job they have ever had.

"Unite will do everything it can to support our members affected through these challenging times. We will assist them to access all available help with retraining through our Wales Union Learning Fund project."