THERE are fears that around a hundred jobs could be lost at one of Ceredigion’s largest private employers if a Felinfach factory closes.

Question marks hang over the future of Sensient after its owners announced plans for a restructuring in order to make savings in the region of £8 million.

The company, which develops food flavours and colours at its Aeron Valley site, has announced a 'portfolio optimization' plan which would see it close the Felinfach site as well as an office in Spain.

Ceredigion MS Elin Jones said it would be ‘terrible news’ for the workforce and local economy if Sensient were to shut its doors at the end of the year.

A statement from the company said: "On 8 February 2024, a portfolio optimization plan was announced to optimize some production facilities and improve efficiency.

"As part of the plan the company is considering the possibility of closing the manufacturing facility in Felinfach in Wales, the possibility of closing the sales office in Granada, Spain, and the possibility of centralizing and eliminating some sales jobs and administrative."

Ceredigion MP, Ben Lake, said it would be a "devastating blow" to workers and the local economy if it were to close the site.

He added: “Very little information has been made available about the company’s reasons for contemplating the closure of the site, but I am pursuing an urgent meeting with the company to understand whether any Government support could be offered to keep the site in operation.

"It is such an important employer in the Aeron Valley that we must exhaust every possible avenue to convince the company to reconsider its plans.”