It marks the end of an era for Massey Ferguson, which has been manufacturing tractors at its Banner Lane plant for 56 years.

In June, the US-based owners of the factory announced they would be closing the site with the loss of 900 jobs and switching production to a factory in France.

The Agco Corporation blamed fierce competition for the move and said the euro currency would help "improve their competitive position".

The factory is due to close in June next year

The Coventry site represents the largest factory in the Agco Corporation with peak production reaching 28,000 tractors a year.

Since it opened in 1956, more than three million tractors have been made at the factory.

However it has struggled against intense foreign competition and has shed hundreds of jobs in recent years.

John Lee, director of European Projects, said: "The workers should hold their heads up and be proud of what they have done and achieved."

He added: "As for the Midlands, it is hard to say. It is another factory, another piece of manufacturing going out of the country."

The company says it will continue to employ 450 people at its headquarters in Coventry.