Hoya cuts jobs at Wrexham site

Hoya Lens UK has axed 46 jobs at its Wrexham site after the transfer of production to its sister factory in Thailand.

This week's announcement follows 27 redundancies last September (News, September 12), which were also largely attributed to the strategy to shift production to Thailand.

In a statement the company said: 'In light of the on-going improvements in our channel management strategy, and based on the needs of our customers, we are continuing the rationalisation of our supply chain, in line with our business model of continued growth.'

Some of the redundancies will be by voluntary severance.

Managing director Martin Batho commented: 'These measures reflect what is happening on a global level within the ophthalmic lens manufacturing industry. While we have transferred some product to Thailand I want to reassure all of our customers that the Hoya Corporation is committed to having local production facilities to back up its national sales drive and this strategy will continue into the foreseeable future.'