WORKERS at a Stubbins fabrics factory face an uncertain future with the shock news their company is being sold off.

Scapa Forming is among several businesses within Blackburn-based Scapa Group being sold to German firm Voith for £329 million.

Although the long-term future of Scapa Forming's Stubbins Vale mill cannot be fully guaranteed, union leaders of the 120-strong workforce are confident it will be "business as usual."

Workers were told of the sale, which is subject to the approval of shareholders, at a meeting at the factory on Tuesday.

Scapa Group is selling its paper machine clothing, paper rolls and industrial rolls businesses to the German company.

At Stubbins, Scapa is involved in the manufacture of forming fabrics.

A statement from the Group read: "In recent years, our paper-related activities have faced an increasingly competitive market environment, due partly to over capacity within the industry. "The Scapa board has been of the view for some time that, as paper industry customers continue to consolidate and globalise, there are increasing pressures for suppliers to do the same."

During the past few years, the company has held discussions with industry competitors to explore opportunities for consolidation of the paper machine clothing and roll covering industries.

The statement continued: "In light of these factors, the board believes the offer from Voith for the purchase of the paper machine clothing, paper rolls and industrial rolls businesses represent good value for these businesses."

Following the sell-off announcement, Scapa Group director of human resources, Mr Steve Olive, was asked by the Bury Times whether the long-term future of Scapa Forming could be guaranteed.

"Our understanding is that there will be no job losses in the paper machine clothing or industrial rolls directly.

"But obviously, I cannot comment on any plans Voith might have in the future."

Mr Brian Hunter, Transport and General Workers' Union convener at Scapa Forming, said: "We had no previous inkling about the sale and nor did management as I understand.

"As far as we're concerned, nothing will change on the shop floor and we feel our security will be increased with the takeover."

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