A BURY chemical firm is set to shut its doors later this year with the loss of 30 jobs.

Bosses at Radcliffe Road-based Eastman Company UK Ltd have concluded the Bury site is no longer viable and its closure now looks almost certain.

Eastman, a subsidiary of Eastman Chemical Company, produces solvent-based chemicals for use in the paints industry. Their Bury base is at the former Donald Macpherson paint works.

The company has now begun consultations with its 30-strong staff, some of whom may be offered jobs elsewhere in the business if vacancies exist.

Eastman chairman and chief executive Brian Ferguson said: "We are in the business of creating value. As our customers' needs change, we need to re-evaluate our facilities and processes."

The chemical operation has been in Bury for six years.