Styrolution, the Germany-headquartered supplier of styrenics, said it planned to shut down its 80 kiloton polystyrene production facility in Trelleborg, Sweden, by the end of this year.

The closure was described by the company as a move that would “further strengthen” its PS business in Europe and the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

In a statement Styrolution said all 51 employees at the plant would be “affected.” Kevin McQuade, president EMEA, described the decision as “difficult” and acknowledged the impact it would have on staff, although the company did expand on what would happen to the workers.

Styrolution said it would continue to serve customers from its PS sites in Antwerp in Belgium and Wingles in France.

“The planned closure is aimed at bolstering the long-term economic sustainability of Styrolution’s polystyrene business in EMEA by further enhancing cost structures and maximizing utilization of its production assets in Antwerp and Wingles,” the group said in a statement.

“Polystyrene is and will remain a strong pillar in Styrolution’s portfolio, providing a robust commercial foundation for the implementation of its Triple Shift growth strategy, which calls for a focus on styrenic specialties and ABS Standard, as well as emerging markets and higher-growth industries.”

McQuade said Styrolution remained “fully committed” to its PS business and it was confident the measures taken “will further strengthen our leading position in this important product segment in the region.”