8:00pm Sunday 19th July 2009
By Ruth Lumley
A council will talk with the management of the Parker Pen factory about the effect its closure will have, the arrangements for the staff and the future of the buildings.
Up to 180 jobs could be lost if the proposal to close the Newhaven factory goes ahead.
A 90-day consultation period was announced to staff by Parker Pen's American parent company Newell Rubbermaid on Thursday.
Councillor Ann De Vecchi, leader of Lewes District Council said: "We are very sorry to hear of the proposed closure and in partnership with the Jobcentre, we will do everything we can to help everyone who will lose their job to find new work.
“Newhaven has benefited from our investment in the Business Centre on Denton Island and the regeneration of the West Quay.
“It remains a key location for manufacturing and there is strong potential for other manufacturing enterprises to move in.
“This decision by Parker Pen is to achieve a rationalisation of their factories, not because there is anything wrong with the capability of the workforce or Newhaven as a location.
“I am sure that Newhaven will continue to grow as a focal point for business and manufacturing.”
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