Strix is to close its Ramsey factory with the loss of jobs, ending almost four decades of manufacturing at the site.

The world-leading kettle safety controls manufacturer said the closure was a commercial decision driven by 'sustainability considerations and global supply pressures'.

While the company has confirmed redundancies will follow, it has not revealed how many jobs will be lost while a consultation with affected staff takes place.

The Ramsey factory has operated from Gladstone Park Industrial Estate since July 1989, becoming a major employer in the north of the island.

In a statement, Strix said: 'We can confirm that a commercial decision has been taken to close the Ramsey factory and transfer operations to our China plant.

'This does unfortunately mean that a number of roles will be displaced due to redundancy.

'The specific number of redundancies to be made cannot be confirmed at this time, whilst the company undergoes a full consultation with all those affected.

'Our priority is to ensure support is provided to everyone affected, with clear guidance and help throughout the process.'

Despite the closure, the company said it remained committed to retaining its head office at Ronaldsway.

'Strix has a proud heritage on the Isle of Man and is committed to maintaining its head office here on the island,' the statement added.

'In common with most successful manufacturing organisations, the company operates a model of continuous improvement and is constantly looking at ways to improve efficiency while reducing its environmental impact.'

The company's origins date back to the 1950s, when Eric Taylor founded Castletown Thermostats.

Strix was established in 1982 by Eric's son, John Taylor, who was later joined by the late Eddie Davies.

In 2005, the company was acquired by a private equity firm before being listed on the Alternative Investment Market (AIM) in August 2017.

Ramsey MHKs Lawrie Hooper and Alex Allinson both said they ‘were not made aware’ of the closure of the site, adding that the situation is ‘disappointing’.

‘This news is a total shock to me,’ Mr Hooper said. ‘Losing any sizeable business isn’t good news for Ramsey and the government needs to do more to help support employment opportunities in the north.

‘I really hope that anyone affected by this gets support in seeking new work or training opportunities, and I’ll be writing to the DfE to ask for their commitment in doing this.

‘I’m also going to be asking the DfE to urgently look into their financial support schemes, as if firms like Strix who are regularly in receipt of taxpayer funding and support are still reducing jobs and closing facilities, then clearly something isn’t right.’

Dr Allinson said he was aware that DfE have been in ongoing dialogue with Strix about their continued presence on the island, while there had also been talks about how they could support the manufacturing sector more widely.

‘I hope that both the company and Government can now actively support those facing redundancy to find replacement jobs or be offered retraining to ensure they can continue in employment,’ Dr Allinson added.