A PACKAGING company has announced that it has made 18 members of its staff redundant.

Coveris Packaging and Coatings Solutions, based in Burnley, announced the redundancies to staff last week.

Originally established in the town in 1976, the company employs around 200 people in full time and part time positions.

The Netherwood Road firm, formerly known as Learoyd Packaging, was bought out by the Chicago-based group in 2014 for £1.5million.

Paul Fox general manager, said trading conditions had become tough in the industry which has lead to hard decisions being made.

He said: “Coveris has today commenced a consultation period on proposals for the strategic restructuring of our finishing facilities in Burnley.

“Conditions are likely to become increasingly challenging.

“In this difficult economic climate, it is vital that we respond quickly to the challenges we face to secure a long-term future for the facility.

“This has meant a review of our work profile and customer base in Burnley.

“We are fully committed to our future in Burnley and have invested more than £3million into our factory facilities in the last 12 months.

“Regrettably, however, it is it is necessary to consult staff over possible changes to working patterns and up to 18 redundancies at the site.

“We are also looking at transferring the management of ink supply on site to our strategic business partner, Flint Inks.”

The business, which has an annual turnover of around £20million sells to consumer giants such as Persil, Tesco, Costa, Seabrook Crisps and Warburtons, alongside Marks and Spencer and Waitrose.

Leader of Burnley Council, Cllr Mark Townsend, said it was a sad time for those involved.

He said: “It is obviously very disappointing for anyone to lose their job and for families to be facing an uncertain future.

“Losing a job can affect more than just the employee, as they could have a partner and several children who will now have to deal with the consequences

“I hope all those affected find new jobs quickly and gain adequate employment.

“Despite this setback Burnley is an economy on the up and in the country’s top 10 for private sector growth.”