About 150 jobs are under threat in Larne following the decision by the parent company of the Larne Paper Mill to review its operations. Fort James UK is examining a proposal which could lead to the closure of both its Larne factories by the end of the year.

The operation consists of a paper mill and processing plant, and specialises in the use of recycled paper. The products are sold under the brand names Inversoft, Kittensoft, and Nouvelle. The factories also produce own-label toilet rolls for leading supermarkets.

In a statement, Fort James said its management team would hold meetings with workforce representatives to explain the plans.

The closure plan followed a review of operations undertaken after the merger in the US two years ago between James River and Fort Howard, which led to the formation of Fort James.