A WREXHAM drink production plant is under threat of closure, putting nearly 150 jobs under threat.

Refresco UK is consulting with workers at its Wrexham site over a possible permanent closure.

The company states that the plant’s "viability" has been "significantly impacted" by a long-term reduction in demand for the small-format beverages produced at the Spectrum Business Park site.

In addition, it said sustainability concerns have led to a continued fall in demand for single-serve drinks in multiple packaging materials and formats, including cups and cuplets.

And despite Refreso having investigated the feasibility of producing these formats in a fully recyclable package, no alternative has yet proved viable.

The company said the move had not been caused by coronavirus, though the pandemic had "compounded" the fall in demand for single-use drink cartons.

The Wrexham factory employs 147 people and its product portfolio includes branded drinks and many small format juice and juice drinks. Refresco UK employs a total of around 1,700 staff at seven sites across the country.

Managing director David Saint said: "I am aware of the potential impact on our employees and their families.

"I know this news will be a shock. As we enter this consultation process, we will provide as much support to our staff as we can during what we know is a very uncertain time."