SECRET talks are taking place over the future of one of the biggest employers in Sussex in a move which could secure 700 jobs.

There has been intense speculation over the future of the Parker Pen factory in Newhaven, with fears owners Gillette could be planning to close it.

But documents seen by the Argus have revealed Gillette is involved in talks with American manufacturer Newell Rubbermaid over the sale of the plant.

Newell Rubbermaid representatives will visit Newhaven over the next few weeks to assess the site.

Paul Fox, communications director of Gillette Group Europe, said it would be several weeks before a decision was made.

He said: "The Newhaven factory is a substantial side of Parker and significant part of the business. We're asking employees not to speculate."

The Parker Pen factory in Railway Road is the biggest employer in Newhaven.

Local MP Norman Baker said he would discuss the issue with Gillette and Newell Rubbermaid.

He was given assurances about the future of the plant when he talked to management earlier in the year.

Mr Baker said: "They told me they valued Parker Pens and it was making a profit. They said there was a future for Parker Pens in Newhaven.

"I will be impressing on Newell Rubbermaid the value we put on the factory and the support there is in Newhaven."

Nobody from Newell Rubbermaid was available for comment.

The Illinois-based company makes everything from toys to office products.

There has been intense speculation about the future of the factory since Gillette announced it would make a decision on the future of the firm within three months, in May this year.

If the plant is not sold to Newell Rubbermaid, it could be slimmed down or closed.

Fifty jobs were lost at the plant in March when the packaging operation was moved to South Wales.

The Parker Pen factory has been in Newhaven since the early part of the century.

It employed 900 at one time in the Seventies and has been the town's biggest employer since the Second World War.

Gillette recruited American bank Merrill Lynch to search for a buyer in February.

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