The bottles will retain the image of the Houses of Parliament

Unions campaigned against the closure plan, which will see 120 jobs go, but admitted defeat saying owners Heinz were motivated by "corporate greed".

The US firm said it had looked at all options since the closure plan was announced in May and it was not viable to keep the Aston factory open.

Heinz spokesman Nigel Dickie admitted it was "a sad day for Birmingham".

He added the sauce would still have the Houses of Parliament on its label "because of its historical association" even though it would now be made in Holland.

Heinz vice-president David Hobin said the plant would close by March next year.

There's no need for the factory to close John Jordan British sauce heads abroad

"We deeply regret having come to this difficult but necessary decision which has only been made after careful consideration of all alternatives," he said.

"It is disappointing that we have not been able to find an alternative option that would close the financial gap.

"This difficult business decision is no reflection on our employees, who have continued to demonstrate their dedication and hard work throughout these challenging times."

But members of the Transport and General Workers' Union (T&G) said they were disappointed by the decision.

'Gutted' workers

Acting national secretary John Jordan said: "There's no need for the factory to close.

"It's a case pure and simple of corporate greed. Birmingham is a highly profitable site and this move is to bail out the factory in Holland."

T&G spokesman Zeffar Qurreshi, who has worked at the plant for 29 years, said he was "absolutely gutted".

"I know other workers will feel the same," he said.

He said the union would continue to call for a boycott of HP products made outside the company.