Paper bag company relocating to Westbury
The main employer in a Somerset town has confirmed it will be relocating to Wiltshire.
Welton Bibby and Baron, a paper bag manufacturer currently based in Midsomer Norton, will move 17 miles to Westbury, Wiltshire by 2013.
The factory, which currently employs 300 people said it hoped all its workers would move to the new factory.
The company said it needed to move to a bigger site to continue its expansion and investment in machinery.
Managing Director, Malcolm Ross said: "Basically this site is now too small for this operation. The space we need is fairly big and unfortunately there's no industrial site in the area that is suitable.
"I hope our workforce moves with us. We will be working with the guys to understand what concerns they have and what we need to address their concerns.
"If it means some assistance in that area [travelling costs] then obviously we will do everything we can."
Councillor Michael Evans who represents the town on Bath and North East Somerset Council said the move away from Midsomer Norton was "very disappointing" but "on the positive side we're pleased that the reason is expansion".
The company makes paper bags for retailers including John Lewis and Marks and Spencers as well as PG Tips and Typhoo.