Imperial Tobacco has announced a proposal to close its Petone factory, with 122 people set to lose their jobs.

Photo: 123RF

The potential closure of the factory north of Wellington was due to fewer people smoking cigarettes, the company said, as it was making more than it needed.

Staff at the factory were told about the proposal today.

Factory manager Karen Geddes said the announcement was regrettable, and the company was working to support its employees.