US-based meat producer Tyson Foods is reportedly planning to sell or cease operations at its chicken plant in Wrexham, Wales, UK.

Tyson Foods is planning to shut down operations this month.

The closure is expected to impact the jobs of 71 employees working at the facility, according to British and Irish trade unio Unite.

Operating since 1962, the facility is one of the major employers in the region.

It was acquired by Tyson Foods last year in a deal with Brazilian food company BRF.

Tyson Foods international communications spokesman Hli Yang said: “Putting this proposal forward was a very difficult decision. It was based on a combination of factors, including our ability to generate profitable growth and our need to adapt to shifting customer needs.

“We are currently consulting with our team members in Wrexham about the proposal to discontinue operations on 30 September 2020.”