A FACTORY in West Yorkshire is to close with the potential loss of 250 jobs.

The factory in the small Pennine town of Todmorden is part of Glasgow-based multinational Weir Group which operates in 60 countries.

It makes equipment for mining industries, including copper mining.

The company said it was transferring its work to the regions it serves in Central Asia, the Middle East and Africa “with the objective of bringing the business closer to its key customers and enhancing efficiency.”

The closure is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy of Todmorden in the Calder Valley.

Unite union’s regional officer Chris Muscroft said: “Unite will be entering into meaningful consultations with Weir regarding the site’s future over the coming days.

“We will leave no stone unturned in seeking alternatives to the current proposals and ensuring our members’ best interests are prioritised.”

A spokesperson for Weir confirmed “up to 250” roles out of 350 at the Todmorden site could potentially be at risk but said it is “committed to minimising redundancies.”