BOSSES at Over Hulton-based Exide Technologies are due to confirm today that the battery factory is closing with the loss of 420 jobs.

An announcement had been expected yesterday. Now union leaders say a representative from the firm’s German operation is to fly to the UK to make the announcement.

The 90-day consultation period on the proposal to shut the Salford Road firm expired yesterday.

As reported in yesterday’s Bolton News, workers’ representatives said they have been told the plant is to close in six weeks with the majority of staff leaving on August 28. They claim production is being moved to Germany.

Union leaders say issues of redundancy terms and pensions have still to be finalised with management.

A spokesman for Unite said: “The company issued letters on Monday saying there would be an announcement on Wednesday.”