Union chiefs today said they were confident more than 100 jobs could be saved at Bridgnorth’s biggest private employer.

One prospective buyer has already toured the Novelis plant in Stourbridge Road and another was on site today after showing an interest in part of the operation, which bosses this week announced would close at the end of April.

Up to 319 jobs are expected to be lost with the closure.

However, plant manager Steve Westwood told staff there was a possibility part of the plant – the printed confectionery packaging business – could be sold as a going concern as they were in talks with two potential buyers.

Caroline Crolley, Black Country regional industrial officer for the union Unite, said today: “There are two potential buyers and we are very confident their interest is serious.

“I am definitely confident about one of the parties and they were touring the factory today. The other would-be buyer has already been round the factory.

“I’m very, very confident there will be an offer put on the table.

“If the whole site goes we have nothing to work on for the future. If the packaging business is saved that means 120 jobs are saved and while that is not perfect it means we still have something to work on.”

Bosses at Novelis broke the news to more than 200 staff at two meetings on Tuesday afternoon.

The planned closure has rocked the town with community leaders expressing their shock and sadness at what Ludlow MP Philip Dunne today described as a bleak day for the town.

Today Councillor Mike Owen, Shropshire Council cabinet member for economy, said: “We are working closely with Jobcentre Plus to organise a series of workshops in the new year to offer support and help to employees about learning new skills, recruitment into new jobs, setting up their own business and advice about business grants and mentoring support.”

By Simon Hardy