AN electrical equipment factory is to close with the loss of 154 jobs.

Electrium, one of the UK's largest independent electrical groups, plans to close all manufacturing operations at its Leigh Road factory in Hindley Green.

The warehouse operation on the site is the main distribution centre for all the group's products and will remain unaffected.

The company blames the closure of the manufacturing plant on cheap imports -- particularly from the Far East.

A spokesman for the company said "every effort" would be made to find jobs within the group and hoped some would opt for voluntary redundancy.

The company employs around 1,500 people in manufacturing operations in the UK and throughout the world.

There will be a consultation periods between employees, their representatives and bosses from the Hindley Green firm to discuss the redundancy programme.

He added: "After a full and detailed review of the operations on the site, it is now proposed to close all manufacturing operations at Hindley Green.

"While the company regrets having to take this action, it is essential in order to underpin the security of our business."

Leigh MP Andy Burnham, said: "It's yet another massive blow to manufacturing in the borough. My first thoughts are to those people who will lose their jobs and to the families affected. I will offer whatever help I can to the workforce, and explore ways to see if any jobs can be saved."