Union leaders are meeting managers at an Essex dairy following the announcement it will close with the loss of more than 200 jobs.

Yoplait, a Dairy Crest-owned factory on the Cranes Farm Industrial Estate in Basildon, is expected to cease production by Spring 2002.

Talks are taking place on Friday to establish whether any of the 239 posts can be saved.

The closure was announced on 13 September by Yoplait Dairy Crest (YDC), a leading supplier of chilled yoghurt, fromage frais and dessert products.

Moving production

The company said it regretted the decision, but it had decided to concentrate production and investment at factories in Enfield and Yeovil.

Most of the production at Basildon will be transferred to Enfield, where 30 jobs will be created.

The remainder will be transferred to Yoplait factories in France.

YDC has said it will provide support to the staff that face redundancy.

Last year, perfume manufacturer Yardley shut its factory in Basildon leaving hundreds of workers looking for new jobs.