ABOUT 80 people could be made redundant from one of Gravesham's largest employers as it proposes to close part of its business.

Britannia Refined Metals in Northfleet has put forward a plan to close one of its refineries due to a drop in business.

Britannia Refined Metals is a wholly owned subsidiary of MIM Holdings Limited. MIM managing director, Vince Gauci said that the proposal to close one of the three refineries followed the end of crude lead supply from MIM's Avonmouth zinc smelter, closed a month ago.

This shut as part of the company's exit strategy from its two loss-making European zinc smelters.

Mr Gauci said: "The proposed closure includes measures to further improve the productivity and competitiveness of the Northfleet operation and thus enhance its value.

"Under the proposal the remaining two refineries will continue processing crude lead from the company's Mount Isa mine in Australia and from recycled batteries and scrap."

General manager Alan Breen, said: "We cannot pre-empt the outcome of the consultation until we have assessed any alternatives presented during the consultation.

"If closure goes ahead we will look for voluntary redundancies where possible, which may allow people to remain if they are suitable for other vacated roles."

A worker from the Botany Road site said: "I have worked at Britannia Metals for about five years. This news comes as a real blow to the people here.

"I really enjoy working here and hope that I can continue to do that. It will be a sad time if the redundancies happen as many of the workforce have been here for a long time and have mortgages and families to support. This will be a difficult time."

Most of the workforce of Britannia Refined Metals is from surrounding towns and villages.

Mr Breen said: "We will do our best to help redundant employees find work by making outplacement services available to them.

"There will, however, be some impact on the local community through a decrease in purchasing from local suppliers."

The consultation process with trade unions and employee representatives will last for at least 30 days.