Workers at Lafarge Cement Works in Westbury are preparing to bid goodbye to the firm which will shut down its manufacturing operations at the end of the week.

The factory, which includes two kilns and an adjoining chalk pit, will be mothballed because of the downturn in the construction industry. The move has meant the loss of more than 60 jobs.

Lafarge said it would operate the factory site as a logistics depot for the foreseeable future.

Equipment at the plant is being mothballed to allow cement production to start up again in the future, if cost and market conditions allow.

Lafarge Cement UK's managing director, Erdogan Pekenc, said: "It was with deep regret that we are compelled to mothball cement production at Westbury Works. "However, the costs involved in the manufacture of cement continue to be volatile and high, at the same time as we are experiencing an ongoing downturn in the market. "To put this into context: current industry analysis suggests that the downturn will continue to worsen with positive growth only visible in 2012.

"Since the February announcement, the works' team have worked extremely hard to grind and pack any surplus stock, while preparing the site for mothballing. "During this stressful time, work at the plant has continued without injury to members of staff or contractors and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the team for all their efforts and professionalism."

Responsibility for the factory site will be shared between Lafarge's logistics team and its land and planning team.

Lafarge's land and planning director, David Simms, said: "Westbury's logistics team (of 17) is already in position and operating, with the site accepting cement transported by rail from Lafarge's cement works in Hope, Derbyshire. "We are intending to make full use of the onsite rail facilities to minimise lorry movements to and from the plant and ensure a reliable supply to customers.

"During this time, we have also been planning the management of the rest of the site, with a particular emphasis on maintaining its strong safety record. "As a result, fencing and security around the quarry continues to be strengthened, with plans also in place to erect fencing around the plant site.

"In addition to installing 24-hour security, we are in the process of appointing two wardens for the site. "We hope to appoint wardens who are experienced Westbury employees, already very familiar with the site to inspect and look after areas of plant and quarries. This has worked well at other sites."

Lafarge's confirmed half of its previous 130-strong workforce have left through voluntary redundancies since September.

Lafarge said it is still helping workers find new jobs either with the company or at other firms. A third of the 65 staff remaining at the plant will transfer to other Lafarge plants in the UK.