ONE of Lancaster and Morecambe's largest employers has closed just days before Christmas.

More than 150 staff at Moll Industries were told last Thursday that the factory would shut its doors after administrators were unable to agree a sale price with potential buyers.

Administrators have admitted that the timing was unfortunate' but say the withdrawal of orders made it impossible for the plastic moulding company to continue.

City council leader Cllr Tricia Heath told the Citizen on Monday:"This is very sad, particularly just before Christmas. We were hoping that there would be a buyout and I'm dissapointed to learn that there has not been any progress.

"I know the council's economic development department has worked with them in the past and I'm sure they will be helping to try and find alternative employment for the people who have lost their jobs."

Michael Horrocks, of administrators Price-WaterhouseCooper, said there had been offers for the firm but none were acceptable.

"We showed 14 potential buyers around the site and had 30 enquiries in response to the advertisement but, unfortunately, none of them made a bid at a level which was acceptable." he said.

"Because we could not give customers a long term commitment they began to withdraw their toolage, which meant we had no work."

The administrators will now sell off the site and assets, though Mr Horrocks said there was a possibility that a firm could buy the machinery and re-open the factory.

Redundancy notices were given to 151 staff, while 26 agency employees were also released. Twelve staff remain to assist admin-istrators in disposing of the company's assets. They are expected to be made redundant early next year.

Moll Industries was placed into administration six weeks ago after its US parent company withdrew support because of financial difficulties.

The White Lund based firm, formerly known as Souplex, was founded in 1926.