Hundreds of people have been put at risk of redundancy after the closure of a window factory was announced.

The UK Window Group (UKWG) is shutting its base at Western Industrial Estate in Caerphilly town, with a consultation over possible redundancies and the relocation of jobs underway.

The company refused to disclose how many jobs are at risk, although it employs 200 at its Caerphilly factory – which also serves as the firm’s headquarters.

Caerphilly Observer has been told around 100 staff have lost their jobs.

Staff were told about the job losses on Thursday morning (August 27).

An employee, who wished to remain anonymous, told Caerphilly Observer the news was broken to them on the factory floor and they were put back on furlough.

UKWG has a plant in Treorchy – and it’s possible jobs could be relocated there.

However, it is unclear how many jobs could be moved.

A spokesman from UKWG said the Caerphilly plant was closing “as part of a longer-term” restructuring plan.

Last year, UKWG was sold by its American parent company, Masco Corporation, to London-based Boxwood Capital.

The Caerphilly site was previously owned by UKWG subsidiary Premier Trade Frames, which was dissolved in January this year. The site was subsequently taken over by UKWG.

The UKWG spokeman added: “We have roles available at our Treorchy plant and we will be engaging with the affected employees on potential reassignment to that site.

“We have also been in close consultation with Community, the trade union, to find the best possible outcome for all affected employees.”

Rob Edwards, regional secretary at Community, said the union was in the “early stages of discussions and consultation with the company”.

“We would urge the company to look at all possible alternatives before making any redundancies”, said Mr Edwards.

“We will be working with the company to look at feasible alternatives that protect the jobs and livelihoods of the workforce.”