The decision follows the announcement made in September to halt production on half of the site’s manufacturing operations. Consultation with the plant’s 68 members of staff is now underway.
Lafarge Cement’s UK managing director Erdogan Pekenc said: “Westbury Works has played an important role in our UK business network for many years, and it is with regret that, despite the proactive actions we have taken to manage the impact of these challenges, we are currently unable to continue operations at the site.”
He blamed high energy prices and further deterioration in market conditions since September for the decision.
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The plant will continue to operate as a depot but neither of its kilns will operate until market conditions improve. Quarry operations at the site have also been suspended.
Pekenc added: “This announcement marks a very sad day for Lafarge Cement UK and it remains our hope that if market and cost conditions allow, the works can be brought back into operation at some point in the future.”
The site was opened in 1962 and has the capacity to make 700,000 tonnes of cement a year. At its peak it employed over 130 people.
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