US firm plans to close North Wales chemical plant with 140 jobs a risk

Up to 140 jobs are under threat after the US owners of a chemical factory in Flintshire announced plans to close the plant. Warwick Chemicals in Mostyn was taken over by US firm Lubrizol in December 2014, but could be shutting its doors just seven years later.

The plant dates back to the 1950s and produces chemicals that are used in dishwashing and laundry tablets. Its closure would be a second hammer blow to north Wales’ industry after the closure of NWP Electrical & Mechanical Ltd in July.

A Lubrizol spokesman said: “Following a strategic review of its Warwick Chemicals business, which makes hygiene and bleach activators used in a variety of cleaning and disinfecting applications, Lubrizol has announced to its employees, contractors and customers its proposal to exit the business and with that, the possible closure of Warwick’s plant in Mostyn.

“Warwick has incurred significant losses for the past several years and is forecast to continue to do so for the foreseeable future. As the proposed closure of the plant would likely result in some redundancies, we will shortly be commencing a process of collective consultation with our employees through WISA, the union which represents them.”

The company’s American owners had made major investments into the north Wales site but reportedly incurred “significant losses” in recent years. Lubrizol’s website refers to the plant as “state of the art” with a “worldwide” reputation, with its products being used in washing products in over 50 countries.