Bausch & Lomb (B&L) plans to move contact lens production away from its Livingston plant in Scotland, a decision that will result in around 500 job losses.
The contact lens manufacturer, which has entered into a 90-day consultation period with staff, said the closure was in line with the company's plans to move production to Waterford in Ireland and the US.
The phased withdrawal from the facility will happen in 2010 and early 2011.
The announcement has prompted the Scottish government to seek talks with the company in a bid to save jobs.
In a statement, Scottish finance minister, John Swinney, said: 'The Scottish government has been in contact with the company at senior level, including the chief executive Gerald M Ostrov. A phased withdrawal from Livingston over the next 21 months allows us to continue discussions with the company. He added: 'We will work intensively with B&L to explore further possibilities for the site.'
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