A major employer in Heybridge has announced it is to close, with the loss of 70 jobs.
Shocked workers at Highfield Timber Products have been told the company will stop manufacturing and will close down in the early part of 2004.
The business has been in existence for more than 70 years and has had a base in Hall Road for 25 years.
Keith Raven, managing director, said unless there is a massive and unexpected change in the company's fortunes the first of the staff will be made redundant on January 14, with the other jobs gradually following until doors close for good on March 5.
Chris Booty, on behalf of the workforce, said: "Everyone's first reaction was sheer shock.
"It is totally unexpected. There was no fore-warning at all."
A statement from the company directors said despite a concerted effort by the management and staff to improve the profitability of the family business over the last year, it is still trading at a loss.
Published Wednesday December 17, 2003
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