A WIRRAL chemical factory is to close later this year with the loss of 115 jobs.

Shocked staff at Croda International learned that the chemical giant intends to close its site in Bromborough Pool, as part of an ongoing restructuring programme, during a meeting on Tuesday afternoon.

A company spokesman said a 90-day consultation period is set to begin and the factory will close by the end of the year.

Mark Jones a contract tanker driver for the company, told the Globe: "Morale at the factory is terrible. We had no idea this was coming and were only told about it during the meeting.

"Apparently the company's turnover was £45million last year with a profit of £2.1m and I've heard it’s going to cost £40m to decomission the plant. So why can’t the company put this money into saving the factory?"

The father-of-three, 47, from Bromborough is employed by distribution company Wincanton’s and has been contracted to Croda for 16 years.

He said: "At the moment, there are seven tanker drivers here our prospects are bleak.

"I’ve been in touch with Wincanton's to see if there is any work available elsewhere at the moment, but there is nothing.

"I was born in Bromborough, have spent much of my working life here and Croda is on my doorstep.

"My personal opinion is that Croda have come in to asset strip the place. Hopefully, a white knight will come in and buy the place."

Wirral South MP Ben Chapman said he was deeply saddened that the factory, which is on the site of the former Uniqema factory, is to close.

"I am told the closure is part of an ongoing restructuring programme, involving the sale of their 'non-core' businesses and that the company has attempted to find a buyer, but that this has not been possible, so far at least, in the current economic climate.

"I have made representations on behalf of Croda and the oleochemical industry on many occasions, most especially about the effect of legislation on the supply and price of tallow.

"The news is of course extremely disappointing for all those who work at the site and for the community as a whole, in which Uniquema has been actively involved over many years, especially in Bromborough Pool.

"I will continue to discuss the best way forward in light of the announcement, with those involved.

"Senior officers of the council will be arranging urgently to meet the management of the site to discuss the situation.

"This is not good news for Bromborough in general, and for New Ferry in particular."

A spokesman for Croda International said: "As part of our continuing strategy to reduce our exposure to basic commodity sectors, we have today announced the closure of our operations at Bromborough.

"The site currently employs 115 people and was part of the Uniqema acquisition in 2006.

"Bromborough predominantly manufactures commodity and industrial speciality chemicals and we will move production of key specialities to other sites.

"In 2008, the discontinued business had a turnover of £45.3m and made a £2.1m operating profit. This was flattered by favourable glycerine pricing and the site made a loss in the final quarter of 2008 which has worsened into 2009.

"There will be an exceptional asset write off of around £30.0m and exceptional cash closure costs of approximately £10.0m, although the latter will be significantly offset by the release of working capital.

"Staff and unions have been informed. We will soon be starting a formal, 90 day consultation process and will continue to look for alternatives to closure. Production will continue in order to meet customer obligations, but is expected to cease by the end of 2009."