Penrith Mayor Ross Fowler has expressed disappointment at the news that Crane Copper Tube will close in Penrith by the end of the year.
The decision by Fletcher Building Limited to exit the copper tube manufacturing business in Australia will affect 108 roles with the majority based at the Penrith site.
The company lists the reasons for the closure as market driven including an oversupply of copper tubing in Australia, a trend of substituting copper tubing with plastic and import competition.
“Council has been working hard to boost employment opportunities in Penrith and to create local jobs, so this is a sad day for all of us,” Councillor Fowler said.
Councillor Fowler has spoken to the Penrith Business Alliance with a view to identifying potential local employment opportunities for at least some affected staff at Crane Copper Tube.
“It would be a great outcome if we could keep some of these jobs in Penrith,” he said.
Paul Brennan AM, Chairman Penrith Business Alliance, will hold further discussions with Fletcher Building.
