A FACTORY in Poole which employs over 120 people will be shut by December 2015 and production will be moved abroad, it has been confirmed.

Crown Closures, which is based on Lake Road, aims to ‘gradually move’ the business out of the Poole with production ending on June 2015 and the doors will shut for good by next Christmas, says a statement.

At its height, the company, which has gone under many names over the years including Wallis Tin, Metal Box, Carnaud Metal Box and now Crown Food Europe, employed over 1,200 people.

A statement containing information provided by Crown Food Europes, Cans and Closures, said: “Unfortunately because of strong competition in the market place and over capacity throughout the industry, Crown has to review its place in the market and the decision was made to close the Poole site down. This leaves Closures to be managed from the Polish, Italian, Spanish and German sites.

“There will be a gradual moving of the business, some has gone already, until June of 2015, when it finally ceases production and December 2015, when it will close its doors forever.

“The last big chimney in Poole will be no more.”

Staff at the Lake Road site of Crown Closures have continued to raise money for charity, with the final cause chosen to support is Forest Holme Hospice, based on Seldown Road.

The statement continues: “The heart of this factory is still very much within the Poole community and this Christmas the Crown employees will donate all the final charity money they have been raising to a fine local charity.

“Forest Holme will be the recipient of over £2,500 which has been put together through the efforts of the people that work there.”

Cllr Elaine Atkinson, leader of Borough of Poole, said: “It is very sad that after many years, the Poole branch of the factory is closing, as it has been long-established in the area.

“Since the summer, our Economic Development Team have been working with the employees alongside Department of Work and Pensions and people from Best Training to help them get their CVs updated and to look for alternative employment.”