Cosmetics company L'Oreal has announced proposals to cut 200 jobs at one of its UK factories.
The plant in Talbot Green, South Wales, produces shampoos, conditioners and hair styling products, but L'Oreal proposes to transfer those manufacturing operations to France-based company Fareva.
Around 260 people are currently employed at the factory which has been making cosmetics for L'Oreal since 1973.
The company said in a statement that a decline in the UK supplier base meant 70% of its ingredients were imported. Also, more than two-thirds of its current production is then exported.
A spokesman said: "The combination of these two factors means that the factory is no longer sustainable from an economic, logistical or environmental perspective within L'Oreal's manufacturing organisation."
L'Oreal wants to transfer the manufacturing operations to Fareva around the middle of next year. Production for the UK market would remain in Talbot Green to keep a proportion of the jobs at the factory.
Fareva has expressed its intention to develop the site significantly over the next few years, rebuilding it to current levels of activity and employment.
Those employees whose jobs become redundant will be offered help in finding new job opportunities within the L'Oreal Group or elsewhere.
Ieuan Wyn Jones, Deputy First Minister and Minister for the Economy and Transport, said: "This is very disappointing news. L'Oreal is a long established employer in South Wales and many of the people affected by this announcement have worked for the company for a considerable period of time.
"We will do everything within our power to protect these jobs, and a meeting has been arranged early next week with senior representatives from the company to discuss this announcement."
