THE region suffered another jobs blow last night when it was announced that an engineering firm is to close its North-East operation.

The Torrington plant, on Darlington's Yarm Road Industrial estate, will be phased out within the next eight to 12 months with the loss of 104 jobs.

Production at the site, which makes roller bearings for use in mining and construction, is to be transferred to Ploiesti, in Romania.

International steel company Timken took over the Torrington company last month and it was hoped that production at the site would continue under its new ownership.

In the past few years, the workforce has been streamlined from almost 400 positions in 1998 to 104 today.

The company shed 24 jobs last year and another 66 in September 2001.

Senior management from Timken visited Darlington last week and workers were informed yesterday morning of its decision to shut the site.

Last night, union officials and councillors said the move was a "devastating blow" for the town.

Brian Mcdonald, of union Amicus, said: "It is a tragedy. A lot of the workers have been there for more than 20 years.

"It is very sad for Darlington but, while we are very very disappointed it has happened, with the contraction of Torrington over the last five years, it was evident that something was going to happen."

Union officials on site will undertake a consultation with Timken management over the next few weeks.

Darlington borough councillor Ian Hazeldine said: "I am absolutely devastated and feel for the workers and their families. Hopefully, as an authority we will do everything we can to support and help them."

Timken issued a statement saying the closure was part of an overall manufacturing str-ategy aimed at making it more competitive and profitable.

Plant manager Andy Dillon said: "The workforce is extremely disappointed and upset. For the last 18 months, as an organisation we have found it extremely difficult to compete on a total cost basis. The overheads have been far too high and the consequence is that we have not been able to make much return on the investment."

In October, Darlington College of Technology said it was looking at Torrington as a preferred site for its multi-million pound complex but its offer was turned down. Timken said it would be looking to sell the site once the plant had closed.