A total of 74 jobs could be lost after a long-established manufacturing firm announced it would be closing its Great Harwood site.

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) is based in Ramsbottom Way and specialises in the manufacture and supply of precision moulded components, rubber seals and diaphragms.

The company confirmed 74 positions would be affected by the closure but said it could not share any further details at this stage.

The closure was described as a ‘huge loss to Great Harwood and the surrounding area’ by an employee.

The company said in a statement: “At the beginning of June, the management team of Freudenberg Sealing Technologies has informed the trade union representatives in Blackburn about the proposed closure of the site. 

“The Blackburn site mainly produces speciality products for the gas industry.

"In this market segment, a significant consolidation took place last year, which led to a steady decline in demand, which could not be compensated for by new business or production relocation from other sites. 

“The proposed closure of the site would affect 74 positions in Blackburn. 

"How this reduction may take place is the subject of talks between representatives of the employer and employee representatives. 

“The exact date of the proposed closure has not yet been determined and is the subject of negotiations and consultation."

The company said it could not share any further details on the closure.

In 2017, Freudenberg Sealing Technologies bought out Metflex Holding Company, which was one the area's oldest companies - founded in 1919.

Freudenberg is a globally active group of companies that has been under family ownership since it was founded in 1849. Its headquarters are in Weinheim, near Mannheim in Germany.

As of December 2023, the company had more the 30,000 employees across the world.