THE closure of a resins plant in Ellesmere Port has cost 45 people their jobs.

The council has stepped in to try to get staff new jobs after Royal DSM NV, the global life sciences and materials sciences company, announced it will shut its composite resins production facility in Cromwell Road.

Jan van Leur, site manager at DSM Composite Resins ltd blamed the challenging economic climate.

He said: “The 45 employees of this site have always shown dedication and professionalism to support the business in the best possible way.

“The changed economic circumstances especially in the building and construction markets however have been quite challenging for composite resins.

“After an extensive review of the strategy it has been concluded that the Ellesmere Port site does no longer fit in the asset portfolio of DSM.”

In 2008, the company, which makes unsaturated polyester products for the automotive, marine, aviation and windmill blade industries, had a £3million investment which safeguarded its future and redevelopment. Then, 63 people were employed at the site.

But last year, DSM and Unite the Union were forced into consultation process to find a way to preserve employment for the remaining 45 staff.

Mr van Leur added: “The studies regrettably concluded that closure of the site is the only viable option. DSM recognises and appreciates the contribution the employees of the Ellesmere Port site have made to the company and regrets that this decision had to be made.”

The site will be closed in the second half of 2012.

Cheshire West and Chester Council will now provide reemployment support.

DSM have vowed that if they sell the land, the buyer will be in-keeping with Ellesmere Port Development Board’s plans for the town, which include cutting-edge energy companies with a reputation for being environmentally friendly.