CONSERVATORY manufacturer Amdega said yesterday that it was not a company in difficulty, despite announcing 16 job losses.

The company, which is based in Darlington, shed 70 jobs last March. It now plans to make 16 joiners redundant at Christmas.

Managing director Colin Taylor told The Northern Echo the job losses were a result of investment in better equipment.

"We have spent over £750,000 in the past six months and as a result, we are able to manufacture our work in a much more effective and efficient way," he said.

"It has also enabled us to improve the quality and specification of the products that we sell. Unfortunately, a consequence of that investment is that we will need 16 fewer joiners than we currently have."

Amdega employs 300 people at its Faverdale factory, where it makes conservatories, summer houses and gazebos.

Mr Taylor said the company's orders for the first half of this year were up 13 per cent.

"We are having a very successful year so far," he said. "All in all, we are doing well and this is not a company in difficulty.

"We have tried our best to manage this transition as amicably as we can and have told the 16 individuals that they have five months to find an alternative job.

"Those that do, and leave before Christmas, will receive a full redundancy package."