It's a sad time for the work force at the Linde factory in Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, with confirmation that the plant will close by the end of October after negotiations with stakeholders failed to reach a solution. The closure is part of the global rationalisation which sees manufacturing being consolidated at fewer sites, and while this makes economic sense, it is no less painful for the affected staff and the broader local community. So, while business is business, it's important to remember the context and to tread carefully.