A long-time manufacturer in Midland is closing its plant.

Unimin Canada Limited announced yesterday that they will cease operations at their silica-processing facility on Bayshore Drive at the end of June.

The decision to close the plant was due to the fluctuating sales volumes and the availability of inventoried feedstock.

In a statement, President Luke Anderson says the operations in Midland are no longer economically viable and that the decision to close the plant was "very difficult".

The move will see 18 people out of work.