TOWN councillors are seeking an urgent meeting with the Canadian owners of Wellington’s Swallowfield aerosols and cosmetics factory which the company said it intends to close.

KDC/One, headquartered in Quebec, wants to transfer the business to Scotland, where it recently bought Swallowfield competitor Barony Universal.

Consultation has started with Swallowfield’s 259 staff, which a spokesperson said was likely to take four weeks.

Town council chief executive Dave Farrow said he had asked for a meeting with KDC/One and was also liaising with Somerset Council’s economic development team.

Mr Farrow said the town council was standing ready to support Swallowfield employees affected by the impending factory closure.

The company is currently Wellington’s largest employer and was bought by KDC/One in 2019 for about £35 million.

In 2020, KDC/One closed Swallowfield’s sister factory in Bideford, North Devon, and transferred much of the business to France while at the same time assuring councillors as to the future of the Wellington site.

Wellington town Cllr Andrew Govier, who also represents the town on Somerset Council, said: “This is a real hammer blow for the town, particularly the loyal employees and their families.

“It is really disappointing the company has taken this decision after reassuring us when the factory in Bideford closed a few years ago, Wellington would be the headquarters of their European operation.

“The company was started in Wellington and has been an important employer for the last 150 years.

“It is really unfair the workforce has been treated in this way.

“Their loyalty has not been rewarded by a reciprocal response from the company owners.

“To receive this news just over a month before Christmas is really upsetting for the staff and their families.

“We will be doing all we can to work with other agencies to try to find suitable alternative employment for all the employees who will be losing their jobs.

“The town council will be discussing the matter next week and I have already spoken to Somerset Council about any assistance they can give.

“I have already been contacted by people who want to help, including a financial adviser who has offered his services free of charge, to help people with managing their finances in these difficult times.”

Wellington Mayor Cllr Janet Lloyd, said: “Our thoughts are with all employees and families affected by this uncertain situation.

“Wellington Town Council is committed to supporting our community during this difficult time.

“We will work closely with our partners to ensure those affected by this decision know where to turn for advice, training, and practical help.

“It is a very sad day for Wellington as the production and manufacture of aerosols was born and bred in the town and now it will be no more.”

The town council has strong links with employment support services, including Somerset Council employment hubs, which host monthly sessions in Wellington’s Kings Arms community hub, Jobcentre Plus, and National Careers Service.

Drop-in redundancy support days will be co-ordinated in the community hub for face-to-face advice from agencies and local employers.