RELOCATION plans by one of Radcliffe's biggest employers could spell boom but also some gloom for the workforce.

Confectionery giant Adams, maker of the world-famous Hall's Mentholyptus sweets, wants to build a new factory close to its existing headquarters in Dumers Lane.

But the company, a division of Pfizer, also warned it could be forced to seek voluntary redundancies as it becomes a victim of its own success.

Because the USA is Hall's most successful overseas market, up to 15 per cent of the company's existing sweets production is scheduled to transfer from Radcliffe to Canada.

That move will probably mean job losses among the 350-strong workforce. But the company hopes these can be achieved through natural wastage.

Bosses have met with staff to outline proposals for the future.

The new factory is top of the company's agenda, given that the present lease is up in 2005. However, approval from Pfizer bosses for what promises to be a multi-million pound development may not be received until June next year. If the go-ahead is given it is hoped the new factory will open in three years.

Jennifer Perry, media relations manager for Pfizer, said: "If the authorisation comes through, then we will go on to produce a detailed plan for the new site, which will be adjacent to the present factory.

"The proposed completion date is 2004 when everything will be moved over."

Before then, Adams plans to cut manufacturing volume at Radcliffe by 15 per cent within the next two years, with the bulk of it transferring to Canada.

This strategy has been put in place because of thriving export sales in the USA.

Mrs Perry added: "The more technical products will remain in Radcliffe. We are not talking about full-scale redundancies when this happens.

"There is the possibility of some redundancies leading up to 2004. We hope as many as possible can be achieved through natural wastage."

Commenting on the proposals for the new factory, she continued: "All our employees have been fully briefed and we will continue to keep them informed of developments."