SCORES of jobs are up in the air after the future of a Walworth-based pharmaceutical company was placed under review.

Fears have now been raised that Pharmasol, on North Way, could close in the next 18 months with up to 80 people potentially losing their jobs as a result.

The company’s former managing director, Ruud Helwig, says an announcement was made to management and staff in February – just days after he left – that the firm’s future is under review and a formal announcement will be made in the coming weeks.

Specialising in aerosol and pump spray technology for the pharmaceutical industry, Pharmasol has been operating for the last 30 years with some members of staff working there for most of that time.

Mr Helwig was brought in as managing director in 2015 to help develop the organisation and, he says, that although positive changes were made, a lack of investment was a problem and in his opinion has contributed to the current review.

The former MD expressed his sadness at the situation as he believes it would take less than £1m of investment to keep it open.

He continued: “I feel very sad it could close. This is one of the nicest organisations I have worked for, it is like a big family and the people are warm and friendly.

“For a lot of people it is not just a job, it is their life.”

Mr Helwig understands that at least one customer has been informed already.

This paper approached the company for a statement and it was informally confirmed that a review is underway and that an announcement will be made in the near future.

At the time of going to press a formal statement had not been received, despite repeated requests.

Pharmasol has been owned by family business The O’Brien Group – which is based in Liverpool – since 2002. The group owns, among other ventures, Ayrton Saunders which comprises Ayrton Saunders Ltd, the intellectual property side of the business, Pharmasol Ltd as the pharmaceutical manufacturing branch and J.M. Loveridge, the distribution centre, also based in Andover. The Advertiser has been told J.M. Loveridge is not under review.

Commenting on the Pharmasol review, Andover Area Committee chairman of the Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, Hendry Taylor, said: “I am dismayed and shocked about the potential loss of jobs at Pharmasol. I anticipate the number of jobs to be lost to possibly be as high as 80 and that will have a devastating impact on the employees and their families.”

He continued: “It would be a very sad loss to see a business that has been in Andover for many years potentially close its doors and I hope a solution is found.”