Heather Myers, CEO, South and Mid Wales Chamber of Commerce said:

“This is devastating news for Bridgend where this not only directly affects the hundreds of Ford employees, but the local supply chains, local economy and the wider community.

“Citing the fall in demand for the Dragon petrol engines as the reason, highlights how reliant our economy has become on global markets, and why International trade relations are vital to our supply chains.

“Following so close on the news of the cancelled M4 Relief Road this has been a truly distressing week for the Welsh Economy. The South Wales Chamber of Commerce will continue to work to support supply chain resilience, access to new supply chain opportunities.   We will ensure the voice of business is heard and represented, to both Welsh and UK Governments, about what action is needed to ensure Wales’ continued ability to compete in a global economy.

“It’s another sad day in a sad week for Welsh business.  I feel gutted for the business community, they are already facing tough times around uncertainty and, it’s been a devastating week for a number of our communities. We now need confident action by the Welsh Government to show that they have the Welsh economy at the heart of policy.”