THE planned closure of a Newport packaging firm, which could result in the loss of 150 jobs, was “inevitable”, it has been claimed.

This week Essentra, which was handed a £400,000 grant from the Welsh Government in 2015, announced plans to close its IP5 plant, which creates folding cartons, in Imperial Park. The company said the facility had made a £3.4 million loss in the first six months of this year.

But one former employee, who asked not to be named, said the planned closure, which will result in 150 staff losing their jobs, as “inevitable”.

“It was clear that this was coming,” he said.

“This was the reason I left two months ago as I knew it would happen.”

He put the financial loss down to a lack of communication and support from senior management.

“There are some really good workers there losing their jobs which is a shame when they’ve worked so hard,” he said.

A current employee, who asked to remain anonymous, backed up his claims, saying the firm had “poor communication and absolutely no structure”.

A statement from the firm said: “The company appreciates that this announcement will cause a great deal of uncertainty for its IP5 employees, and intends to provide as much support as possible as matters progress through the consultation process.”

And chief executive Paul Forman said: “I and the project management team are committed to undertaking this process in an open, honest and respectful way.

“The possible closure of the IP5 site in Newport is in no way a reflection on the quality or commitment of our employees.”

Newport West AM Jayne Bryant said she was “concerned” about the news.

“I am assured that all parties will do what they can to make sure people impacted are supported to make the most of the opportunities available,” she said.

She added: “Throughout the consultation period and afterwards I will be doing all I can to support people in Newport West who are employed at the site.”

A consultation with staff has been launched and, if the plan goes ahead, the site will close at the end of 2017. The Welsh Government has said it will look into recovering some of the £400,000 grant if the firm goes ahead with redundancies.

Essentra had not responded to the former employee’s claims as the Argus went to press.