Polestar chief executive Barry Hibbert, who went to the Paulton-based plant to address its workforce two weeks ago, blames high wages and an inflexible workforce for the financial crisis. He is prepared to close Purnell if it is not restored to profitability.

The plant is losing 6m a year and is being subsidised by Polestars more efficient and profitable plants.

Polestar Group operations director Mike Bartlett has been at the plant this week assessing its future, although no plans have been forthcoming.

Hibbert has also met with GPMU general secretary Tony Dubbins and deputy general secretary Tony Burke to discuss the matter.

Burke said: We will commence discussions at a senior level over the next couple of weeks. There are no proposals as yet, but we are expecting some soon.

* Polestar has ordered a Heidelberg 64pp web press for its Petty plant in Leeds.

Story by John Davies