A MANUFACTURING firm has announced plans to close one of its production facilities with the loss of 75 jobs.

Negotiations with unions at Thorn Lighting are still on-going, with management hoping to transfer staff to different sites at its Spennymoor base.

The company announced last month of plans cease manufacture of magnetic products in March next year, closing the unit where 75 are employed.

Hugh King, publicity manager for Thorn Lighting, said: "We've had two meetings with unions already, and our aim is to try to incorporate staff into other areas of the Spennymoor operation - especially the electronics and fittings sectors."

Earlier this year Thorn bucked the redundancy trend in the town, relocating the lion's share of its UK operation to County Durham, where it now employs around 1,300.

The move came after the town was hit by 850 redundancies with Electrolux closing its fridge making operation, and another 460 after Rothmans wound up its cigarette factory.

In September parent firm Tridonic announced a substantial investment in electronics manufacturing equipment for the R&D manufacturing centre of Thorn in Spennymoor.

Following a detailed review of the product range manufactured within the magnetic control gear plant at the site, the company revealed its closure plans.

Gerry Hunter, regional officer of engineering and electricians union, the AEEU, said: "We have more meetings coming up with our members and management at Thorn Lighting, and we believe the company should do all it can to help the staff.

"We want help to ensure that any redundancies at the site are voluntary."