MORE than 50 jobs could be at risk after a protective coatings firm revealed closure plans.

3M is reviewing the future of its factory in Northallerton, North Yorkshire, after it fell “significantly short of expectations”.

The base, known for making coatings for steel pipes in the oil, gas, rail and water industries, could shut by the middle of next year.

Bosses say up to 55 staff and three contractors would be affected in any changes, revealing the company has now started a 30-day consultation period with workers.

They added some product lines will stop in any closure, with others transferring to 3M plants across Europe.

The proposals come after 3M trimmed a handful of jobs at the site back in 2013, when it made changes to sales and marketing, research and development and customer service divisions.

Paul Williams, 3M director of supply chain operations, said the company had explored all avenues to avoid its proposed action.

He added: “Despite our very best efforts, the business has been falling significantly short of expectations.

“We will consult employees in a professional, honest, open and fair manner.

“We will be sharing our thought processes with them and they will have an opportunity to ask questions and contribute views.”

3M’s Northallerton base is complemented by a larger site in Newton Aycliffe, County Durham, which employs hundreds of workers and is known for making industrial face masks designed to stop workers inhaling dangerous dust and vapours.

The site produces millions of masks every year, with its range stretching from full facial protection models to disposable examples, and The Northern Echo previously reported how the business had fitted a new production line to make filters for its masks.

Speaking at the time, bosses said the filtration would also be used in vehicle air conditioning, thus bolstering the firm’s presence in the automotive sector, where it is already known for car polishes, soaps and wax.

Founded as Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing Co more than 100 years ago in the US, 3M says it now employs 90,000 people worldwide, with nearly 3,000 staff across the UK and Ireland.

Its brands include Scotch tape, Scotch-Brite scouring pads and Post-it notes.