Agfa UK Graphic Systems director Laurence Roberts said that the plan to close the factory by the end of June 2005 would bring "economies of scale" to US plate production, which will be consolidated at Branchburg, New Jersey.

Agfa bought Lastra, the world's fourth-largest plate manufacturer, in a 100m deal in September.

"This was always part of the strategy. We bought their products and their business, but there is no obligation on us to continue to use their production plants," said Roberts.

Roberts said that it was "too early to say" what would happen to Lastra's four factories in Italy, which produce mainly conventional plates for the European market, but that there is no plan to close them at present.

Lastra has said that it will work with the Jacksonville employees to help them find new jobs.