A MAJOR international bio-medical firm is set to leave its base in Blackburn, leaving jobs in doubt.

Gosselin is in last-ditch talks with staff at its £2million complex, in Sett End Road, Shadsworth Business Park, to see if a deal to save it can be hammered out.

The originally French company, which makes petri-dishes and other laboratory medical equipment for the NHS and other clients, moved in 2010 as part of a drive to widen Blackburn with Darwen’s industrial base.

Taken over by US firm Corning Incorporated in 2011, at its height it employed more than 40 staff.

The complex, funded in part with a £290,000 grant from the North West Development Agency, was part of plans to develop two major medical and scientific hubs near Royal Blackburn Hospital.

Last month, thecouncil admitted they would never be completed as planned.

Joanna Allen, of Corning Life Sciences, said: “I can confirm that we have met with employees and proposed to them that Gosselin is considering other options and may possibly make a decision to close the facility.