WITH only five months to go before the Inverell Supercoat pet food factory closes, negotiations are still underway to attract new business and additional jobs.

On Wednesday, Northern Tablelands MP Richard Torbay met with Nestle Purina executives in Sydney to negotiate options.

“I have also been working closely with mayor Barry Johnston and general manager Paul Henry to discuss what will be happening when the factory officially closes,” Mr Torbay said.

Nestle Purina announced the closure of Supercoat in July and it will be moved to Blayney, about 650km away in the state’s Central West.

By the end of March, 58 permanent staff will be out of employment in Inverell.

Already $400,000 has been put into an investment fund to attract new business and Mr Torbay is hopeful there will be a positive outcome for the town.

“During my discussions I have heard a lot of great remarks about Inverell’s reputation and growth,” Mr Torbay said.

“This has been a really good sign and we are hoping to have a plan in action soon.”

Mr Torbay quashed rumours that Supercoat will stay in Inverell.

“There is absolutely no hope that it is going to remain open,” Mr Torbay said.

“Their decision to close has been confirmed so we need to look at future operations.”