THE VEKA group - one of Burnley's biggest manufacturers - has put part of the business up for sale, raising fears of job losses among its 310-strong workforce.

But today, managing director Peter Abbott moved to reassure staff that the door and window systems plant had a long-term future at its Farrington Road site.

Mr Abbott said the company would be pressing ahead with its £9.5 million expansion programme to create a new distribution and logistics centre on the former Lucas site.

And he said the company was recruiting an additional 20 staff to prepare for the development.

Mr Abbott explained the company had written to all of its employees to inform them of the German-owned company's decision to put up for sale the cellular foam products division which he conceded had been "causing problems". He said that division, which makes window boards and architraves for the construction industry, accounted for around 20 per cent of turnover. The market is extremely poor for that range of products which is why we have announced we will consider offers for that part of the business," he said.

"We are being totally responsible, giving advance notice to our employees. While we cannot give any guarantees in terms of jobs affected, we hope these changes can be brought in without any job losses."

Mr Abbott said VEKA's core business of manufacturing window and door profiles was both profitable and expanding. Burnley's VEKA plant is part of a family-owned German business group.