A Drogheda, Co Louth, company said yesterday it was proposing to close by the end of the year with the potential loss of around 150 jobs.

Bissell Ireland advised its staff yesterday of its plans to wind down activity at the plant which manufactures homecare products, including carpet sweepers, shampooers and vacuum cleaners. Bissell has operated in Drogheda since 1975.

The impending closure follows sustained losses since 1997, the company said.

Bissell said it will enter a consultative process with employee representatives to address the options now facing the company. The company employs a mixture of workers but most are semiskilled, according to a spokeswoman for the company. Many have been working with the company since it started operations in Drogheda, she said.

Bissell Ireland is a subsidiary of US company Bissell which is based in Grand Rapids on the US east coast.