Norwegian aluminum producer Norsk Hydro has decided to close a production facility in the UK due to tough market conditions.

"Following a consultation process with employees and their representatives, the Birtley plant will be closed at the end of May," the company said in a statement.

Around 100 employees will be laid off as a result of the closure.

Customers and production operations at the plant will be transferred to Hydro's factories in Tibshelf and Cheltenham.