A US pharmaceuticals firm is to close its South Wales plant, putting 540 jobs at risk.
Zimmer Biomet, which makes hip and knee replacements, said it would “suspend production” at its Bridgend plant and begin consultation with staff.
The plant’s director, Maria Silva, said it would “evaluate alternatives and how to limit job losses”.
Unite, which represents workers at the plant, said it would “fight for jobs and a viable future for the site”.
The BBC understands that if the closure goes ahead, it will last for an 18-month period, which would see the plant close its doors in early 2025.
Hundreds of workers could be seen leaving the plant, which once employed more than 800 people, with some waving goodbye to each other, after a staff meeting at 11.30am BST on Thursday.
“We’re not allowed to talk to you, but you can see on our faces that it’s not good news,” said a man leaving the factory with a white envelope in hand.
Diane Inkpen, 78, from Porthcawl, called it “a disgrace to all the young people in this area”.
“Now they have a lot to worry about between feeding their children and keeping a roof over their heads,” she said.
Shop owner Jess Reid says her business depends on trade moving from the factory
Jess Reid, 30, owns The Station in Coychurch, an independent shop selling local produce just a few hundred meters from the factory.
“The passing trade we rely on heavily because we’re out of the way, so that can have a huge impact on us,” she said.
“This can have a huge impact on the local area, not just on families but on the local economy.”
Carol McAuley, 74, who lives in the village, added: “It’s devastating, I feel sorry for everyone. It’s sad because it happened so suddenly, without any warning.”
The announcement only affects production at Bridgend’s Waterton Industrial Estate plant, with sales and research staff continuing to work at the company’s commercial distribution centre.
The Welsh Government gave £700,000 towards a £2.5m expansion of the plant in 2016, which created 40 new jobs.
The factory manufactures a range of hip and knee replacement products which are exported worldwide.
Unite’s regional secretary for Wales, Peter Hughes, called the news “devastating” for members and their communities.
“Almost 550 well-paid, highly skilled jobs are at stake here and the Bridgend area cannot absorb the economic impact this closure would bring,” he said.
“During the six-month consultation period, Unite will fight for jobs and a viable future for the site.”
There is palpable shock among everyone I’ve spoken to about this.
It is a global company that has been in Bridgend for decades and has recruited locally, so the impact on the community if the closure goes ahead will be significant.
Zimmer Biomet has manufacturing facilities in Europe and Asia that are likely to get the work currently done in Bridgend if those 540 jobs disappear.
There appear to be fewer than 600 people employed at the Bridgend site as a whole, with 540 at risk. However, one source told me that only 544 people work at the site.
I was told that the matter was related to the investment in the plant. The site needs upgrading, but there are other plants elsewhere that have already received this investment.
It is my understanding that the company did not contact the Welsh Government for assistance before making the announcement.
For the workers at the plant and their families, the next few months will be very difficult times.
Zimmer Biomet’s manufacturing plant is about a mile from another former key employer in Bridgend, the Ford Engine Plant.
At the time it was estimated that the plant had brought £3 billion to the area over the previous 10 years.
Bridgend MS Sarah Murphy wants to know why Zimmer Biomet didn’t tell politicians about the closure plans in advance
Sarah Murphy, who represents Bridgend in the Senedd, asked why politicians had not been informed of the closure plans earlier.
“Now I’m reaching out … trying to figure out why and if there’s a chance to protect these jobs.
“It’s just such a shock to everyone. They got funding from the Welsh Government not too long ago and that was to protect jobs at the time.’
Economy Minister Von Goetting called it “extremely disappointing” and said he was “deeply concerned” for staff and the wider community.
He added: “Our priority now is to support staff affected by today’s announcement. We will be working closely with Bridgend Council, the Department for Work and Pensions and the plant’s union to ensure that employees get the support they need.”
Hugh David, leader of Bridgend council, described it as a “significant blow to staff and the local economy”.
Leanne Lewis, who represents Pencoed on Bridgend Council, said she has family members who work at the plant.
“It was a huge shock,” she said. “Honestly, I’m completely speechless.”
Welsh Conservative economy spokesman Paul Davies called on the Welsh Government to take immediate action to help those affected.
“Once again, Wales has been hit with more shocking news, in addition to figures showing that unemployment has risen in Wales but fallen in other parts of the UK.”