ONE of north Kent's key employers for the past 153 years is to close with the loss of 240 jobs.

Blue Circle Industries' decision to close Northfleet Cement Works by 2005 is seen as inevitable by industry insiders as the Eastern Quarry is running out of raw materials.

The plant, which opened in 1848, will be replaced by a state-of the-art cement works at Home Farm and Snodland Quarry, Medway, creating 180 jobs.

The closure will allow more development within the Kent Thames-side area, which has already seen the Channel Tunnel Rail Link, Bluewater Shopping Centre and housing developments, and bring jobs to the area.

Staff will be offered work elsewhere within the worldwide French-based Lafarge group, which owns Blue Circle.

Blue Circle Industries spokesman Lyn Overitt said: "Age profiles at Northfleet mean the majority of workers are likely to take a redundancy package or early retirement.

"About 90 workers will be offered new jobs throughout the group, including Medway."

But the company has a policy on works closures which means anyone who wants to continue to work with the company is offered available jobs elsewhere.

Commenting on the new 310-acre site in Holborough, which will produce 1.4million tonnes of cement a year, she added: "It is in the national interests that a new UK-based cement plant is set up to supply the south-east of England, as it is one of the largest markets in Europe. The Northfleet site will run out of raw materials by 2005."

A spokesman for the Transport and General Workers Union said: "The closure of the site over the next few years is a matter of regret but we have to be realistic.

"As the closure date nears the union will want to ensure that alternative employment within the group is offered for those who want it and decent redundancy terms are negotiated."

But Kent County Council's lead member for strategic planning, Councillor Frank Gibson, believes the closure of the plant is not all bad news with the Eastern Quarry earmarked for development.

He said: "This decision will lead to the release of important sites in north Kent to assist the regeneration of Dartford and Gravesham."

December 5, 2001 9:51

Ed Hadfield