Abbeyleix chemicals operation, Stonearch, will cease trading with the loss of 44 jobs. The firm, engaged in the export of vitamin K products, has been based in Abbeyleix since 1972 and is the town's largest employer. Dr Lynne Gallagher, president and chief executive of Stonearch, said yesterday that difficult trading conditions had forced the closure. She cited rising insurance costs, expensive safety regulations and market competition as the main reasons behind the decision. Dr Gallagher said the company's owner, US-based Heterochemical Corporation, had hoped to sell Stonearch's assets to another company, but that this sale fell through yesterday. Most of the firm's 44 staff are semi-skilled operative workers.