THE Alcan mill in Falkirk closed yesterday, ending the company's 60-year association with the Stirlingshire town.
Production at the aluminium sheet rolling site, which opened in 1944 as part of the war effort, is to be relocated to the company's operation in Newport, South Wales.
Two dozen of the 86 staff will remain at the mill until April to help clear equipment. About 10 are expected to relocate to South Wales. A handful of staff have found posts outside the company, but the majority have taken early retirement.
James Johnston, Falkirk provost, whose ward includes the mill, said last night: "I know three generations of families who worked there. It'll be hard for people who have worked there for 40 years."
Joan Chesney, a spokeswoman for Alcan, expressed regret at the closure, but said:
"The extremely competitive market left us with no alternative but to close the mill. We have employed a highly skilled workforce over the years and they deserve recognition."
Alcan's Fort William smelter, with about 350 staff, will continue to operate. The company also runs power generating plants at Fort William and Kinlochleven to serve the smelter.
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