SEVENTY jobs are at risk at Huntingdon-based bed manufacturers Horatio Myer & Co Ltd.

The firm announced today (Thursday) that it planned to outsource its spring production while some of the mattress/divan cover operations, currently based in Huntingdon, will be moved to other parts of Hilders Anders, its parent company, within Europe.

The company added that it will focus the Huntingdon business on its core area – mattress and divan production – and would be introducing new technology to the site.

A statement from Myer’s said: “As a result of this strategic shift the company is to consult with the trade union and employee representatives on potential job losses at the Huntingdon site, which could result in approximately 70 jobs being lost in the factory.

“The consultation will commence this month and the company hopes it will be concluded towards the end of July.”

Staff were told today.

UK Director Paul Francis said: “In the light of extremely difficult market conditions we are trading successfully against our current targets and against last year’s.

“Nevertheless it is essential we take this step to further focus on the activities that are core to our business as this will deliver better value for our customers.

“The change includes further investment from the Hilding Anders family into the Huntingdon site, a visible sign of support for the company and its employees.

“I know that this is difficult news for employees and we are in constructive discussions with the employees’ representatives to mitigate the hardship of the proposed job losses.”

The factory, based in Windover Road, made 70 people redundant in May 2011. At the time it said poor market sales and soaring prices for raw materials were to blame.

The company employs 318 people in the UK.