ENGINE manufacturer Cummins refused to rule out more job losses last night amid renewed fears over its future.

The Darlington company announced in July that it was making 50 temporary staff redundant in the latest of a series of cost-cutting measures.

The Northern Echo understands that managers at the plant are carrying out an operating review, which could lead to further cuts.

US company Cummins, which is one of Darlington's biggest employers, has already given its material handling arm to logistics company Autrans.

It has also been forced to build into forecasts the loss earlier this year of a contract with American-based plant and equipment manufacturer Case to supply 20 engines a day.

Last night, a Cummins spokesman said: "No discussions about redundancies are currently taking place.

"But of course because of the current climate we are in we cannot make any guarantees for the future."

Gerry Hunter, regional officer with manufacturing union Amicus, said the immediate prospects for Cummins looked gloomy, but he hoped it could get through any current difficulties.

He said: "There has been a general downturn throughout manufacturing and Cummins is suffering.

"The company has not got the slack that was there in the past, which I see as a problem."

Cummins, which employs about 700 staff, is axing 39 temporary staff at the end of the month with a further 13 following next month.

The diesel engine manufacturer has previously said it is making "good progress" towards making necessary cuts in costs