AN UNMISTAKABLE landmark of Chelmsford, the looming face of the Britvic clock tower has welcomed visitors to the city for more than half a century.
But following the announcement last week that the bustling Westway factory is to close, placing more than 200 jobs at risk, this icon of Essex industry appears suddenly precarious.
And if the drinks giant goes ahead with current proposals, the doors of the factory could close as soon as the beginning of 2014. "I am shocked and very disappointed by the devastating news that Britvic is relocating out of Chelmsford," said MP Simon Burns following the announcement to close two of the company's factories, with the other planned closure in Huddersfield.
"The company has been part of Chelmsford for 150 years and this will be devastating for those people and their families who will be out of work as a result of this decision."
Concerns over the possible loss of jobs had arisen earlier this year when Britvic took a step closer to its merger with Irn Bru producer, A G Barr.
The company confirmed in January there would be 500 jobs axed within the companies' combined 4,000-strong workforce as a result of the deal but no specifics were mentioned until the publication of their interim results last Wednesday.
Following the shocking news that Chelmsford would be among the planned closures, Mr Burns held an urgent meeting with representatives on Friday where the prospects of those currently working for the drinks giant were discussed.
"I was reassured that they will do all they can to help as many people as possible to find alternative employment when they close the factory in Chelmsford next year," he added.
"They will be using an outplacement company to assist members of staff in preparing their CVs and providing other help to assist people finding alternative employment. They are determined to provide as much help as possible to all their workforce at what is a difficult time."
But even if some individual jobs are saved, the impact upon Chelmsford's wider business prospects are bleak, with the 15-acre factory on the Widford industrial estate one of the largest employers in the area.
"The city council is surprised and disappointed by this announcement, as Britvic was founded in Chelmsford and has enjoyed a long association with the city," said Chelmsford City Council's cabinet member for planning and economic development, Neil Gulliver.
"Chelmsford has bucked economic trends and remained a good place to do business throughout the recession, and we are confident that new investment and growth will continue."
Indeed, the decision has been described as a "bitter blow" for both the local economy, and the workforce by trade union Unite, which represents the 227 employees at the Chelmsford site.
"The threat to the jobs at the three sites is a very bitter blow for the workers and their families. We want to analyse the company's statement fully and consult with our members," said Unite national officer for food and drink, Jennie Formby.
"It should be remembered that this is a very profitable company and could well afford to keep all these operations going.
"Unite will be doing all it can in the coming weeks to support members through this difficult period."
Regional officer Dave Turnbull is set to hold talks this week with Britvic management with the aim to lobby against the proposed closure.
"We are holding talks with the management with the aim to strongly make the case to keep the Chelmsford site open and to safeguard the jobs of our members," Mr Turnbull said.
