Council's senior economic development officer Ian Campbell said numbers of local businesses had already shown interest in recruiting the workers, who finish their employment with Nylex this Friday. Mr Campbell said the 40 Nylex employees had a diverse range of skills.

"There is an opportunity here for local businesses to pick up some trained and experienced staff,'' Mr Campbell said.

"Not surprisingly there are many staff with a certificate in process manufacturing and training in machine operation because of the nature of the business. But there are also employees with truck licences, rigging and dogman's licences and significant numbers with forklift licences.

"There really is a broad range of skills that would be of great benefit to many businesses in Wellington.''

Businesses can contact Nylex site manager John Walker on 51442322, extension 14 or council's senior economic development officer Ian Campbell on 1300 366 244 before July 10.