A MAJOR Halstead employer will close by this summer, it has been confirmed.

RPC Group, on Halstead’s Bluebridge Industrial Estate, entered a period of consultation ahead of a potential closure in November.

The global company has confirmed the plastic manufacturing facility will cease operations by this summer at the latest. The factory employs 80 people, with many living in Halstead or the surrounding villages.

RPC Group confirmed a number of solutions were put forward to keep the factory open, but none were seen as viable.

RPC has owned the factory since 1994, with a handful of employees having worked on site since it opened.

The company claims the move is necessary for its future success and growth and has pledged to provide full support to affected staff in their search for new employment.

A spokesman said: “Following the completion of the consultation period regarding the closure of its Halstead manufacturing facility, RPC Group has confirmed that the factory will close.

“The company said that although a number of ideas were put forward, none were seen as a viable alternative.

It is expected that the factory will cease operations by the summer of 2017.

“RPC is providing full support to affected staff in their search for alternative employment.”