The closure of the Mars Petcare factory in Peterborough was confirmed this week with the loss of more than 80 jobs.

The entire workforce of 82 people is set to be axed at Mars Petcare, in Shrewsbury Avenue, Woodston, following the company’s decision to move production to sites in Bokros Hungary, Minden in Germany and Sochaczew in Poland.

The possible closure had been announced to workers on January 28, and after a consultation period, Mars Petcare has now confirmed the Peterborough factory is to close.

A Mars Petcare spokesperson said: “We can confirm that we have taken the difficult decision to close the Mars Petcare factory in Peterborough, following a thorough consultation.

“The site will close later this year at a date that is yet to be confirmed.

“In the meantime we will continue to support employees affected by this difficult decision and will offer them the best advice and help to find alternative employment.”

MP for North West Cambridgeshire Shailesh Vara said on Monday: “This is deeply disappointing news. I had hoped that there would be a way forward without the need for closure.

“I am pressing Mars Petcare to give as much support as possible - and that means over and above the legal minimum to all those who will be affected.

“Clearly the Melton Mowbray factory is an option but it will not be possible for many employees to simply relocate for a whole variety of reasons.”

John Bridge, chief executive of Peterborough Chamber of Commerce, said: “It is very sad for those affected when a company has to make such a decision.”

The pet food factory was first opened in October 1974, and working alongside the conpany’s Melton Mowbray factory, produced more than 400,000 tonnes of pet food every year, with the Peterborough factory employing 200 people during the 1970s.