Jobs at risk over plant closure

There are fears jobs could be lost at a County Durham manufacturing plant which is at risk of closure.

Parker Hannifin Ltd employs 170 people at its plant in Crook, which makes refrigeration components.

However, the company is looking to close the plant down because of financial losses and an inability to cope with foreign competition.

Managers have now entered into a period of consultation with employees and representatives from the Unite union.

'Difficult circumstances'

In a statement, the company said: "This announcement follows a long period of difficult trading in the refrigeration market resulting in significant financial losses.

"Strenuous efforts have been made to improve productivity and lower manufacturing costs.

"However, with the imminent closure of the location's only remaining UK customer, coupled with a number of customers who have moved orders to competitors in lower cost countries, there has been a substantial reduction in requirement for refrigeration products.

"Parker will be working with and seeking the cooperation of the workforce and its trade union to achieve the best possible outcome for the employees in these difficult circumstances."