ABB says a decision to close its distribution transformer manufacturing operations in New Plymouth is based on challenging market conditions.

59 jobs will be lost by the end of April when the factory is due to close.

The employees were told on Friday.

ABB hopes to relocate employees to other businesses its owns.

ABB makes digital industrial equipment and systems.

In New Zealand for more 80 years, ABB employs about 500 people at 11 locations.