A landmark tower which has overlooked an area of Swansea for decades is set to vanish from its skyline for good. In September 2021, we reported how 3M in Penllergaer was to close with the loss of 89 jobs. The plant, based on Gorseinon Road, was the American company’s oldest manufacturing facility outside the US.
3M blamed the move on the site experiencing ongoing underutilisation, stating it had been "impacted by changes in the segments it serves, namely the personal care industry, the collision aftermarket and vehicle repair centres". It stated its manufacturing operations at Gorseinon would move to existing 3M facilities worldwide, including Northern Ireland.
The company has now asked Swansea Council for permission to demolish 14 buildings/ structures on site. Planning documents state that "3M is currently demobilising from the Gorseinon Road site and will no longer be able to maintain the structure's and buildings on site."
