DOZENS of jobs are to be lost at chemical firm Solenis, with 72 positions to go at its manufacturing site in Bradford.
The firm has confirmed to the Telegraph & Argus that a total of 83 jobs are to be cut across its Bradford and Grimsby sites.
This is due to a “significant decline in demand for products manufactured in both Bradford and Grimsby”.
The cost-saving measures are “necessary to improve the sites’ competitiveness”, the company said.
A spokesman said that in order to minimise actual job losses, any open vacancies would not be filled – resulting in a reduced number of redundancies.
“For the past few years Solenis as well as other chemical manufacturers in the UK, has been operating in a tough business environment due to the rise in energy costs and high inflation.
“The Bradford and Grimsby teams have actively implemented numerous cost-saving measures during this period.
“Unfortunately, the business environment makes this difficult decision necessary to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the sites and help to improve the profitability of the business.”
Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves with Bradford South MP Judith Cummins
They added that all teams and individuals impacted by the proposals have been informed.
Consultation has also begun with the GMB union in order to try and preserve as many jobs as possible and mitigate the impact on those affected.
The Bradford site at Cleckheaton Road in Low Moor became part of Solenis in 2019, after a merger with BASF. A total of 465 people are currently employed there.
Solenis itself is a leading global producer of speciality chemicals, providing sustainable solutions for water-intensive industries, including consumer, industrial, institutional, food and beverage, and pool and spa water markets.
It is headquartered in Delaware in the US and has 71 manufacturing facilities around the world, employing a team of more than 15,400 people in 130 countries.
Last year the Shadow Chancellor visited Solenis along with Bradford South MP Judith Cummins. Rachel Reeves, who represents Leeds West, heard of the astronomical rise in energy costs for the major Bradford business.
