JOBS are set to be axed at one of Clitheroe’s largest employers.

International chemical company Johnson Matthey, which has a base at the former ICI factory in Pimlico Industrial Area, Bradford Road, has entered into consultation with workers on the Ammonia, Methanol and Gas business (AMG) team.

Bosses declined to comment on how many people out of the 300-strong workforce could be affected, but the the Lancashire Telegraph has been told the figure is around 30.

A statement released by Johnson Matthey said: “The AMG business has faced significant challenges in 2011/12.

“Despite efforts to reduce the impact of these challenges the business has not been able to generate additional revenue to maintain its performance.”

The company said redundancies were likely to form part of the cost reductions.

Bob Mannion, managing director of the AMG business, said “The long term viability of the business remains very strong and we hope these consultations will provide the springboard for the business’ future growth”.

The consultation period formally began on Wednesday, April 4, and will last approximately 30 days.

The AMG business is one of four business units in Johnson Matthey’s Process Technologies division.

The other business units which include Tracerco, Davy Process Technology and Refineries are unaffected by this plans.

Johnson Matthey is a speciality chemicals company with operations in more than 30 countries, employing around 9,700 people.