Bathroom manufacturer Ideal Standard has announced the closure of its Middlewich ceramics production site, which could mean the loss of 249 jobs.
The company is also closing sites in Revin and Dole in France, in proposals it says are "necessary due to worsening market conditions and trends affecting the European construction and ceramics sanitary ware markets."

A statement released by the group said: "The UK and France continue to be core markets for Ideal Standard International and the company remains committed to maintaining a strong presence in both markets. The group will develop its business by investing in new products to serve the markets, strengthening customer service and continuing to build market competitiveness.

"The company and its management do not take these kinds of decisions lightly especially when it affects the livelihood of its employees. However, the company believe that this is a necessary step to regain efficiency and to safeguard the company's current position and future prospects in the ceramics industry across Europe."

Production will remain in Hull, Rugeley and Otley and the development and industrialisation centre located in Middlewich will be relocated to Rugeley.

Last year the company was fined €326m for price fixing along with 17 other bathroom manufacturers, although responsibility for paying the sum lies with the former owner of the American Standard Group, which sold its kitchen and bathroom arm to new owners in 2007.