Lever Soap Plant May Close : Labor: The union for most of the 285 workers at the Commerce factory will meet with executives Monday to discuss averting the closure.

Lever Bros. said Friday that it may close its soap and detergent plant in Commerce, potentially affecting 285 jobs at the landmark facility just south of Interstate 5.

Negotiations to determine the fate of the plant and its workers will be held Monday with the International Chemical Workers Union, which represents more than two-thirds of the plant’s employees, said John Gould, director of corporate affairs at Lever Bros. in New York. The plant could close as early as May 1, he said.

The announcement is part of the company’s effort to cut costs to remain competitive, Gould said. The closure is in keeping with a plan announced earlier this week by Unilever, Lever Bros.’ European-based parent, to restructure its worldwide operations--a move that includes cutting 7,500 jobs.

The plan to close the Commerce plant reflects increased competition in the consumer products industry. Procter & Gamble, Philip Morris and others have also consolidated as generic brands have gained market share.

Products made at the Commerce facility, which began operations in 1951, include Dove, Wisk, Caress, Surf and All.

Jack Kyser, chief economist at the Los Angeles County Economic Development Corp., noted that numerous manufacturers--blaming high workers’ compensation costs, delays in obtaining permits and relatively high taxes and labor costs--have moved their operations out of California. He said representatives of his office will contact Lever to discuss options to keep the plant here.