Household cleaning products firm McBride has announced plans to shut its manufacturing facility in Barrow with a potential loss of 106 jobs.

In a shock announcement, the company, which has been battling against tough trading conditions for the past few years, said it was proposing to close the plant in Park Road during the summer next year.

It blamed the move on a fall in demand for the laundry powders manufactured at the site, with the detergent market shifting toward liquids, and forcing the company to examine its manufacturing footprint and “realign this in order to remain competitive”.

Staff were told of the planned closure earlier this week, with the McBride bosses confirming it has started a consultation process.

“McBride has a long history in Barrow and the group does not underestimate the effect of this proposal on our colleagues, their families and the wider community,” the company said in a statement.

“We will now commence a process of collective consultation with employee representatives where the local management team, will discuss the proposal in detail, explore any alternative scenarios, and set out the support, which would be available to any potentially affected colleagues.”

The news has been met with shock among business and political leaders in the town.

Carl Bevan, chair of the Furness Economic Development Forum, described it as a blow for Barrow.

“This really is a shock,” he said.

“While it isn’t the first time a big organisation has made a decision like this in Barrow, it is the wider impact it can have on worker’s families and the community as a whole.

“I would hope that McBride do the right thing and do everything they can to support those affected.

“And there will be a support network, including local authorities, Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership and other businesses, that can join forces and do everything then can to ensure those affected aren’t out of work for too long.

“Going forward I would like to think people can see this as an opportunity, but now, this is not going to be good news and there will be a lot of worry out there.”

A Barrow Council spokesman said: “Barrow Borough Council is disappointed and saddened to learn of the proposed closure of Robert McBride Ltd and the impact this will have on its dedicated workforce.

“The firm has long been part of the business community in Barrow and has made a significant contribution to its economy for many years.

“The council will now look to work with key partners, including Cumbria Local Enterprise Partnership, to identify what steps it can take to assist workers in the future.”

Cllr Ann Burns said: “My daughter works for McBride and she is absolutely devastated, and so are the other people that work there.

“It is definitely a shock.

“I have spoken to the Chief Executive of the council as well as Cumbria County Council to see if there is anything we can do to get McBride to stay here.”

The Barrow factory has seen clutches of jobs losses over recent years with McBride top brass keeping a close eye on overheard costs in a challenging and changing consumer market.

Announcing its financial results for the year ending June 30, 2019, back in September it revealed profits had fallen by £8.8 million, despite an increase in revenues to £721.3m.

The company said it expected revenues to be flat in the current financial year, and for earning to be slightly below expectations.

Cllr Bill McEwan, said: “It is a devastating blow to us in Barrow.

“It is also no very nice as it is right as Christmas is coming up, and has put Barrow in a bit of a hole.”

The Barrow factory has seen clutches of jobs losses over recent years with McBride top brass keeping a close eye on overheard costs in a challenging and changing consumer market.

Announcing its financial results for the year ending June 30, 2019, back in September it revealed profits had fallen by £8.8 million, despite an increase in revenues to £721.3m.

The company said it expected revenues to be flat in the current financial year, and for earning to be slightly below expectations.