UK’s Largest Fibreglass Factory Nears Closure With 250 Jobs Lost

The UK's largest fibreglass factory in Hindley Green, Wigan, owned by Japanese firm Nippon Electric Glass, is set to close, resulting in the loss of around 250 skilled jobs despite months of rescue talks involving government officials, local leaders, and potential buyers. Negotiations collapsed after Nippon repeatedly shifted conditions, leading the company to place its UK operations into voluntary liquidation, a move that has been described as a 'bitter betrayal' by the GMB Union and local MPs. The factory produces vital materials for wind turbine blades, electric vehicles, and aerospace industries and had been under strategic review since April. Government efforts, including involvement from the Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Mayor Andy Burnham, and MPs, failed to secure a rescue deal, with critics blaming the government's unwillingness to underwrite financing and expressing concern over a broader trend of reshoring supply chains to Japan. The closure highlights challenges facing British manufacturing amid high energy costs and global supply chain uncertainties, just as the government prepares to announce a new industrial strategy aimed at supporting manufacturing and reducing electricity prices. Local representatives vow to continue advocating for workers and seek support for affected families.