More than 100 jobs have been put at risk after a global manufacturing giant revealed plans to close its Merseyside base.
Terumo Europe NV has informed its employees of its proposals to close the manufacturing facility in Knowsley.
The company said its plans are subject to consultation with union officials and staff representatives.
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Terumo added that it will "seek to avoid any compulsory redundancies, reduce the number of redundancies, and mitigate the impact of any unavoidable redundancies".
The business said that the proposed site closure is not anticipated to take place until the second quarter of 2023.
Terumo’s UK plant, which currently produces tubing packs used in cardiac surgery, employs approximately 110 people.
The company said it is aiming to reduce manufacturing costs, improve competitiveness, and increase sustainable investment in the business through greater returns.
A Terumo UK spokesperson said: "It is with sadness that we launch a consultation on the proposed closure of our Merseyside site, which has been key to Terumo’s business for 25 years.
"Our proposal to close the Merseyside plant does not reflect on the performance, dedication, and hard work of our employees working there and is a result of global market challenges."
