A RADCLIFFE firm has made half its workforce redundant in the wake of a decision to virtually cease production in the UK.

Twenty-four staff at Fluidair Compressors, based in Miller Street, have lost their jobs with the decision to transfer 95 per cent of its manufacturing to the Far East.

The strength of the pound and competition within the global air compressor market have been blamed.

Fluidair is involved in the manufacture of air compressors and air pumps. The company, which can trace its Radcliffe roots back to 1902, has 25 per cent of its output going abroad.

Managing director Mr Paul Dickinson said that from now on, 95 per cent of its manufacturing operations would be carried out at a company in Turkey through a joint venture with Fluidair.

The Miller Street base will retain a small scale manufacturing capability.

Mr Dickinson revealed: "Most of the 24 employees released have already gained alternative employment in and around the Radcliffe area." And he is confident the restructuring will ultimately make Fluidair more successful.

Commenting on the decision to transfer production abroad, he stressed: "Lots of companies have done the same thing, given the strength of the pound and the likelihood we will not be going into the European Monetary Union (EMU) for another two to four years.

"The restructuring is all part of a strategy we've been looking at for the last 18 months or so."

The Miller Street site has been involved in manufacturing since 1902 and was originally occupied by Whittaker Hall Ltd up until 1978.

Then, the business was acquired by IMI and was renamed IMI Fluidair.

In 1992, the current owner and managing director Mr Dickinson led a management buy-out after spending time with the business as lead management consultant.

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