Sanford has closed its Christchurch mussel processing plant, with the loss of 232 jobs.

Recent weather patterns have affected the number of young mussels, meaning there's no longer the supply to sustain the Christchurch facility.

Mussell processing officially ceased at the plant at 12.30pm, with all mussel shucking now to based out of Marlborough.

All employees will receive a minimum of four weeks' pay, plus a paid four week notice period starting tomorrow.