THE union representing staff at a manufacturing company in Blaenavon have said that 28 jobs could be cut.

The regional officer for Unite the Union, Paul Evans, said that Doncasters Forgings in Blaenavon have announced redundancies “to try and offset the falling level of sales and limit the economic impact on the business”.

He added: “They have announced 28 job reductions across the site.”

He said that Unite is working closely with the company to try and avoid compulsory redundancies and have now entered into a 30 day consultation period.

Mr Evans added: “It is hoped that these redundancies can be filled by existing vacancies and voluntary terms.

“This is a severe blow for the local community and economy which can’t afford to lose good jobs such as Doncasters provide.”

Earlier in the week, the divisional director of Doncasters Forgings, Craig Gooding confirmed that it had “started the process of balancing its workforce with confirmed reductions in sales for the remainder of the year”.

He said: “We regret having to take this step, but balancing our workforce with our manufacturing requirements is an ongoing, necessary process to enable us to maintain a healthy organisation with a long term future.”

The company reassured that management will be carrying out the proper and necessary consultation process.

Torfaen AM Lynne Neagle said that she will be speaking with company bosses and liaising with the trade union on the matter.

Doncasters Forgings is a specialist manufacturer of forged and rolled rings, casings, and closed die forgings in nickel, cobalt, and titanium alloys and stainless steel.

In August last year, The South Wales Argus reported that Doncasters Forgings has entered a consultation period on the proposed redundancy of 14 roles.

This followed a redundancy process at the Blaenavon facility earlier in 2014 when the workforce was reduced by 35.