PRODUCTION jobs at a local factory are to be axed after management decided to build a new manufacturing plant in the Far East.

Bosses have declined to say how many of Radcliffe Trumeter's 100-strong workforce could be axed, although managing director Mr Jeff Allen said the figure could be around ten.

He admitted the news was greeted with "initial shock" by staff at the Milltown Street firm, which has had a presence in Radcliffe for 66 years.

But he hopes that in the long-term, the company will create more jobs to offset the earlier losses.

Trumeter has announced plans for a new 30,000 sq ft factory in Penang, Malaysia, to meet increasing competition from Far Eastern competitors. After two years, the factory will have a 150-strong workforce.

The new plant will manufacture Trumeter's electrical, electronic and mechanical equipment while its existing Radcliffe headquarters will be developed into a centre for technology.

Additionally, it will focus on manufacturing high volume, technically complex products in an automated environment. Trumeter has already invested more than £1 million in new plant and machinery.

Mr Allen said that because some manufacturing will switch from Radcliffe to Malaysia, this would result in a reduction of jobs.

But the company stressed staff numbers will increase later as further investment in automated assembly, design and engineering is undertaken.

Although he would not be drawn on the exact number of job losses, Mr Allen said: "Manufacturing jobs will be reduced slightly. We are a caring company and plenty of people work here. We will do everything we can to defend any job."

But with Trumeter looking to take on more staff in the long-term, Mr Allen said that ultimately there should be a small net gain in the workforce level.

"We are in a very competitive market and we have to be flexible to ensure the continued prosperity and growth of the company."

Trumeter, whose chairman is well-known local businessman Mr Peter Weidenbaum, enjoys buoyant exports, with the USA its core foreign market.

Around 70 per cent of its output goes overseas. The company sells to more than 40 countries worldwide.