A MAJOR glass fibre products manufacturer is ditching 100 jobs.

Hindley Green-based PPG Industries (UK) Ltd says it must slash its 600-strong workforce over the next 11 months.

Initially in mid-November 72 jobs will go, including 30 temporary posts, and a further 26 will be phased out in mid 2000.

European pricing pressures and the strength of the pound has seen profit margins dramatically reduced over the past two years.

A company spokesman said: "It is anticipated through natural turnover, voluntary redundancies and early retirements the number of forced redundancies will be kept to a minimum.

"Although the decision to reduce staffing levels is regrettable the actions are necessary to achieve the required financial performance targets and to justify future investment to sustain the facility and to secure the jobs of the remaining employees on site."

They say productivity and cost-cutting measures haven't been enough to secure the future for the company which manufactures glass fibres for the reinforced plastics and electronics industries.

Consultations are underway between PPG and GMB and AEEU trades union representatives.

PPG Industries (UK) is a subsidiary of PPG Industries Inc based in Pittsburgh, USA. The company is a global producer of coatings and resins, glass, chemicals and glass fibres employing over 30,000 people.

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