Almost 250 people will lose their jobs at a Torfaen manufacturing firm after bosses announced plans to cease production earlier this month.

As previously reported Pontypool firm Trico Ltd, which manufactures vehicle wiper blades, was set to cut jobs after sustaining losses for some time due to global competition. The firm, which employs 299 people cut 100 jobs earlier this year.

After meetings with staff representatives, bosses last week confirmed they plan for a staff of only 50 to remain at the factory.

The company will maintain a presence in Pontypool with distribution, sales and technical support departments.

The manufacturing that is currently taking place at Pontypool is expected to move to China or Mexico, where the company has bases and production costs are significantly cheaper than in the UK.

There will be no redundancies until the 90-day consultation period between staff and bosses is up in February. The company confirmed some redundancies will not be made until the second financial quarter of next year.

Matthew Cogzell, human resources director at Trico, said: "This is a very difficult situation for everyone. We will try to delay redundancies for as long as possible."

Blaenavon councillor Thomas Huish, who works in manufacturing at Trico, added: "People are sad and angry with the company. They are angry 70 temp workers have been brought in after their friends have been made redundant.

"There are some married couples who work here and have lost two incomes."

Nick James, who faces losing his job, said he was gutted and very angry. Alan Card, a representative of trade union Amicus, said: It is difficult to see how the situation can be turned around.

"It is through the good work of the staff that they have kept it open as long as they have."

The Trico blow comes just two months after another major Pontypool employer, TRW automotive, announced plans to shed more than 150 jobs."