The Arla Milk Processing Factory

Part of 1. Questions to the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Transport – in the Senedd at 2:16 pm on 6 June 2018.

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Photo of Ken Skates Ken Skates Labour 2:16, 6 June 2018

I think the Member is absolutely right. The food and drink sector has shown strong growth in recent years and is growing towards the target of a £7 billion contribution to the Welsh economy. But, in the future, the processing issue will be a major consideration not just of my colleague Lesley Griffiths but also of the enabling plan that's being developed for the food and drink sector. I think it's vital, in the short term, for the people that work at this particular facility, that we look at every opportunity there may be to save those jobs, and I am aware from news reports that the company may be considering alternative products for the site. I'll be meeting with taskforce members who are being convened this month to discuss the future of the site and options for us to be able to support either the existing business in diversifying, or another business in taking over operations, if that is at all possible.