STAFF from a Wirral thermal insulation factory are threatening to strike over plans to close the complex with the loss of 96 jobs.

Workers at Microtherm Thermal Insulation were told on Friday that their factory in Arrowe Road, Upton, was to close with production transferred to a plant in Belgium.

The company has been based in Upton for more than 30 years. The factory is profitable with full order books. It supplies a range of thermal insulation items for use by the military and associated users.

Transport & General Workers Union said they only heard about the closure plans after senior officials approached the company to clear up rumours.

MTI group product director Gil Thomas said the closure could take place as early as May next year.

Mick Cashman, T&GWU's regional industrial organiser, said: "Our members have put in years of service and built the profits and reputation of this company.

"The way they have been treated is a disgrace. If the company was considering closing the Upton plant I would have expected them to speak to representatives of the union and to the workforce. We should not have to find out by accident after the decision has been made.

"The company accept that Upton is profitable. They just think that they can make even more money by moving elsewhere; it's nothing but corporate greed."

Mr Cashman said the workforce had vowed to fight the company's closure plan and was prepared to take industrial action unless the decision was reversed.

Wirral West MP Stephen Hesford is supporting the workers' battle to save their jobs. He said: "This is shocking news. I have tried to have emergency meetings with both management and workers.

"I met with management yesterday and will be having a further meeting with the workforce on Thursday, to sort out how to take their views forward during this immensely difficult time."