Hundreds of jobs at risk due to factory closure

More than 250 people work at the cosmetics factory

A cosmetics factory in Somerset is set to close, putting more than 250 jobs at risk.

KDC/One, one of Wellington's biggest employers, announced a proposal to close its Swallowfield site in the town earlier.

A spokesperson for the company said it had made the "difficult decision" to move work carried out at the factory to another site in Irvine, Scotland.

The firm is due to start a consultation with employees and has said it will provide "relocation opportunities".

The site has been open for nearly 150 years

Taunton and Wellington MP Gideon Amos said he was "shocked and dismayed" by the news.

In a letter to KDC/One's CEO Nicholas Whitley, he asked: "After 149 years of Swallowfield in Wellington and the recent investment made in the premises in 2023-24, your proposals are totally unexpected and beg the question: 'Why you are not willing or proposing to sell the business as a going concern?'"

He went on to urge Mr Whitley to put the interests of employees and the town ahead of "short-term considerations", keeping the site open until a buyer is found.

In a statement, KDC/One said its "priority remains the wellbeing and support of our employees" during the "proposed transition".