SCORES of jobs could be lost if a long-standing Ashford company closes.

Management at VIP-Heinke, rubber and plastic moulders, have told staff at the Henwood industrial estate site that there could be redundancies if the plant shuts down.

The company, which has its head office in Huntingdon, Cambridgeshire, is now in talks with the T&G union in a bid to minimise the number of losses, if possible.

A decision on the factory's future will be announced in the middle of next month, after this 30-day consultation period is up, leaving some 50 to 55 workers with an uncertain future.

The company, which has had a plant in Ashford for more than 40 years, blames the risk of closure on poor market conditions, profitability performance and costs run-up with the purchase of the Henwood freehold.

In a letter to staff John Millar, general manager, said: "Consultation with the T&G union has now commenced over the viability of the Ashford plant and, as a result of the announcement, I write to confirm that your position is at risk of redundancy.

"The company does appreciate the uncertainty the announcement and the intervening consultation brings and assures you that every effort will be made to clarify your own personal situation at the earliest possible opportunity."

Michelle Chopping, personnel and development manager, said bosses were doing everything they could to avoid the job losses, but could not comment further.

David Weeks, speaking for the T&G union, confirmed discussions were underway with VIP-Heinke and said a full statement would be released when the consultation process was completed.

CE Heinke came to Ashford in 1963 and set-up base on the Cobbs Wood industrial estate producing rubber products ranging from scuba-diving equipment, to roller skate wheels, to bicycle brakes and gaskets.

In the 1970s the company expanded to the Henwood estate, which remains its base today, and employed nearly 200 staff.

It later merged with Victaulic Industrial Polymers, creating VIP Heinke.

It now claims to be one of the UK's leading manufacturers of thermoplastic mounting, sealing, gap-filling and gasketing applications.