WORKERS have lost their jobs after attempts to save a troubled factory failed.

Ecomold, which employs 181 people on the Prittlebrook Industrial Estate off Thornford Gardens, Southend, will be wound down over the next six months. The firm, which makes mouldings for cars, has been in administration since November 2007.

Administrators KPMG took over the company after long-running trading losses but hoped to find a buyer to keep it open. However, yesterday the closure was announced.

A spokesman for KPMG said staff had been written to, but one angry employee told the Echo they found out from a notice put up yesterday on a staff noticeboard.

He said: "They didn't even call a meeting. They said they would keep us informed, but we hadn't heard anything for a couple of months.

"I've worked here for 35 years and I remember when thousands were employed."

Another employee said: "It wasn't a big shock. We knew it was going to happen."

The business started as E K Cole in 1924, repairing radio sets and changing batteries.

KPMG, which is also closing an Ecomold factory in Dunstable, said it expected the Southend branch to end production in September this year.

Joint administrator Mark Orton said: "It's disappointing that we have been unable to find a suitable buyer. Despite this announcement, we will continue to seek offers over the coming months.

"We would like to thank all of Ecomold's staff for their hard work and support."

John Clayton, chief executive of Essex Chamber of Commerce, commented: "Losing 181 jobs is a shame, more than anything else for the people involved who have mortgages and families.

"I hope arrangements are in place to find them alternative employment or additional training."