The McCain factory at Wombourne, near Wolverhampton, is having a 90-day consultation period over plans to axe half of the 240-strong workforce. Union leaders have now told staff losses are inevitable because of the long-standing problems which have dogged the Heath Mill Road plant and sparked complaints from people who are living nearby.
Consultation started on August 30, meaning 120 people could be told they are out of work at Christmas.
Residents have complained about the noise coming from the factory. Fumes as well as heavy traffic have also long been a cause for concern.
Despite millions of pounds of investments in equipment to tackle the issues, McCain say the Wombourne factory is no longer economically viable because of the environmental constraints in the area.