Unilever plans to close its washing powder factory in Warrington, putting 123 people out of a job.
The site makes Persil and Surf laundry detergent and the company has blamed the decision on a steep fall-off in demand as customers switch to laundry liquids and laundry capsules.
They say that means the Warrington factory is now running at less than half its capacity.
As well as proposing to close the 136-year-old Warrington site, Unilever told workers production will be shifted to Europe and some of the company's other sites in the UK under their plans.
The closure is subject to consultation with trade unions and employee representatives.
When the proposal was first announced at the start of the year, GMB, the union for Unilever workers, together with Warrington North MP Charlotte Nichols, said they would fight "tooth and nail" to protect every job.
The decision to close the factory followed a review of operations at the site, which looked at various options including moving manufacturing from other Unilever factories to Warrington.
Jon Strachan, vice president of supply chain for Unilever UK & Ireland, said today: "Following the review we have, unfortunately, been unable to identify any commercially sustainable solutions for the site. Therefore, with regret, we are now proposing to close the factory.
"We know that this news will be difficult for our employees and the broader community, and we are firmly committed to supporting them in every way that we can, should the proposals go ahead.
"Unilever has a number of factories in the UK and here in the north-west, so we will discuss any redeployment and reskilling opportunities for our affected employees as part of consultation.
"We would like to take the opportunity to thank all of those who were involved for their passion and their commitment to the review."
Unilever confirmed in January that 100 jobs were also set to go at its Port Sunlight factory and research facility in Wirral.
