250 jobs at risk as specialist manufacturer plans factory closure

Up to 250 jobs are at risk at an engineering firm, which has proposed shutting its West Yorkshire factory.

Weir Minerals Europe, on Halifax Road, Todmorden, currently employs about 350 people but could close by the end of 2025.

The firm says workers in unaffected roles would be transferred to a new engineering and technology centre which is set to open nearby.

The mining equipment producer is planning to shift production to other foundries, including Port Elizabeth and Johannesburg in South Africa.

It explains the aim of its proposal is “bringing the business closer to its key customers”.

The business adds key markets for mining commodities such as copper are in Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa, with “limited current demand” in the UK.

A spokesman for Weir told the BBC that “up to 250” roles at the Todmorden site “could potentially be at risk”, but noted the company was “committed to minimising redundancies”.

Councillor Sarah Courtney, regeneration cabinet member at Calderdale Council, responded: “As a resident of the town, I know many people who would be affected by its closure if this went ahead. We will do all we can to support people.”

The Unite union, which represented some employees, said “meaningful discussions” would be held with Weir in the coming days.

Regional officer Chris Muscroft said: “We will leave no stone unturned in seeking alternatives to the current proposals and ensuring our members’ best interests are prioritised.”