The former Body Shop cosmetics factory at Littlehampton has closed with the loss of up to 150 jobs.
South African firm COSi, which took over the Littlehampton factory two years ago, told its 300 workers yesterday that half the workforce could be cut.
The firm plans to transfer its business to its factory in Maestag, south Wales, within six months.
COSi managing director Ian McNally said the company hoped to accommodate 150 to 200 people in alternative work, but 100 to 150 might be made redundant.
He said: "COSi will encourage employees to take up opportunities in other plants and will be working with staff who wish to pursue alternative careers, early retirement or self-employment."
Three hundred workers at COSi's toiletries factory in Watersmead - also the site of the Body Shop International headquarters - will keep their jobs.
COSi hopes to develop this site into a "manufacturing centre of excellence".
The company took over the Wick and Watersmead sites two years ago as part of The Body Shop's biggest transformation in its 25-year history.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article