A LEADING East Lancashire manufacturer is looking for more than 60 job losses across its two sites.

Decorpart of Nelson and sister firm Presspart Manufacturing of Blackburn have blamed a downturn in worldwide demand for some of their products for the cuts.

A total of 22 workers are being made compulsorily redundant at the Nelson engineering factory which manufactures containers for the cosmetics and perfume market.

A further 12 have opted to take voluntary redundancy from the Edward Street company.

The firm exports around 60 per cent of its products and has been hit by the strength of the pound making British exports dearer. Presspart, which employs around 250 people at its Whitebirk, Blackburn site, said lack of worldwide demand reported by its customers in some areas had led to the need to cut its workforce at its Blackburn site by around 30.

The firm said the writing instruments market in particular, which supplies products including metal ink cartridges, was suffering.

"Consultation with our workforce has commenced and the company hopes to be able to clarify the situation as soon as possible," said Brian Jelbert, group finance director.

Applications for voluntary redundancy have now been invited from employees.

"The company has an excellent reputation as a large employer in the area and will be working closely with the workforce to get through this difficult period as quickly and as compassionately as possible."

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