One hundred and 30 Lower Hutt workers will lose their jobs with the closure of the Pilkington automotive glass factory. The Engineering Printing and Manufacturing Union describes it as a blow to the workers and the region.
Union spokesman Steve Milne says it means the end of the automotive industry which has powered the Hutt Valley for decades.
The British-based Pilkington Group says the factory will close in September.
It is understood the Pilkington manufacturing plant in Mt Wellington in Auckland will not be affected by the closure.