SMITHS FALLS, Ont. - Hershey spokesman says there's a "very high probability'' the company's Smiths Falls plant will close.

Kirk Saville says the company has advised employees and the union of the plant's possible closure.

Saville says Hershey has expressed its willingness to resume negotiations to reach a contract settlement, but declined to provide further details behind the possible shutdown.

Word of a potential closure comes just three months after workers were forced off the job when salmonella was detected in an ingredient at the plant.

The contamination was traced to an emulsifying agent, soy lecithin, which prompted the recall of 26 popular products such as Oh! Henry bars and Reese's Peanut Butter Cups.

Hershey gradually brought back about 200 employees to help sanitize the plant, but 300 remained without a paycheque during the shutdown.