Up to 319 jobs lost as Bridgnorth foil plant closes

The firm has been hit by increasing competition from other countries

Most of a foil and packaging plant in Shropshire will close with the loss of up to 319 jobs, it has been confirmed.

Novelis confirmed aluminium foil production at its Bridgnorth site would cease at the end of April 2011.

Plant manager Steve Westwood said: "Despite significant effort by the Bridgnorth team, unfortunately a viable alternative to closure did not emerge for most of the operation."

The packaging operation will end but part may be sold as a going concern.

Novelis made the announcement at the end of its 90-day consultation with employees at the site.

Over capacity

Novelis said the closure, which included moving business into its other European plants, aimed to improve the firm's competitiveness.

The company said it was in response to "over capacity in the European foil market and increasing competition from manufacturers in low-cost countries".

Existing customer orders would be fulfilled and clients would be contacted about the future handling of their business, it added.

Novelis, which makes aluminium rolled products and is involved in drink can recycling, operates in 11 countries.