MORE than 30 jobs are to be lost with the closure of AEP Industries in North Baddesley.

The company shares the site with Borden Chemical but both companies are set to vacate it by the end of next year with job losses across-the-board.

Borden has already announced its plans to relocate its production facility to South Wales.

"The company deeply regrets the job losses which reflect difficult trading conditions, a very competitive market and the effects of the currency exchange rate,'' said AEP general manager David Coakley.

The company manufactures plastic food wrap for the UK industry and currently employs 41 people on the site.

"The closure will cause 32 job losses although sales and office staff will relocate within the local area.''

The departure of AEP and Borden Chemical willmean the 17-acre site will be available for redevelopment.

Borden Chemical spokes-man Mike Chilcott said both companies were saddened by the job losses and to leave the community.

"Although we are sad we recognise that large scale industry is now not appropriate in the middle of the houses which have been built around us over the years,'' he said.

The two companies are now planning to appoint environmental and planning consultants with a view to the site's future re-development.

"It's too soon to have a fully-developed view of the best future for the site,'' said Mr Chilcott. "We have to look after our shareholders' interests but we also have a responsibility to the community.''

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