TEN jobs could be lost at Crown Paints in Darwen as part of a multi-million pound investment in new technology to speed up the process of filling cans with paint.

Bosses said the investment was necessary for the firm to continue as a leader in the paint manufacturing market.

A period of consultation has been entered with employees but the Lancashire Telegraph understands the majority of redundancies will be voluntary.

A further 60 jobs could be lost at the firm’s plant in Hull.

Managing director Joe Devitt said: “This investment is key to our ongoing bid to remain competitive and at the forefront of the industry.

“Inevitably, increased efficiencies will result in organisational change and restructuring, and we will be entering into a period of consultation with the employees concerned.”

Coun Pete Hollings, who works at the Darwen site, said: “The GMB Union is, as always, working with management to minimise the effect on a very skilled and dedicated workforce.”