In the absence of any interest in buyers for the site, it has been agreed at a consultation meeting with trade union representatives that the only remaining option is to close the mill, which has been in operation for nearly 150 years.

All of the 125 employees will be made redundant, 80% of which will leave the company when production ceases, which is expected to be before the 30 April date.

A spokesman for Sequana, Arjowiggins' French parent, said the remaining employees would be part of a retention team that would reduce in number progressively during the course of the year.

Arjowiggins entered into consultation with the staff as part of a restructuring exercise at the site in November last year.

The Dartford facility produces carbonless paper, used in typewriters and for duplicating signatures, and thin printing paper, which is used to produce advice leaflets for pharmaceutical products.