A TEXTILE factory is set to make 39 redundancies following a company shake-up.

Bosses of Voith Paper Fabrics, based at Stubbins Vale Mill in Ramsbottom have begun talks with trades union representatives in a bid to achieve job losses through volunteers without being forced to make the redundancies compulsory.

The company, which employs more than 90 staff, wants to cut the workforce to put it on a viable footing for the future.

A statement from Voith said the firm had announced proposals for a reorganisation within the company due to what it termed "the continuing difficulties within a very competitive industry."

The statement continued: "These proposals are brought about by the need to implement a change in the way we organise our business that will result in a long-term viable business based at Stubbins."

Earlier this year Transport and General Workers Union members at the factory, which makes paper machine clothing, worked to rule and staged a series of half-day strikes in protest at managements attempts to impose a wage freeze.

Voith Paper Fabrics is part of the German-based Voith Group of Companies. Now in its 138th year, it is one of the largest family-owned companies in Europe and employs more than 24,000 staff .