SCORES of manufacturing jobs could be axed as a Salisbury firm looks to slash its workforce by more than half.

Argus Fluidhandling, which makes specialist pipes and tubes at its factory on Churchfields industrial estate, told its staff on Friday of plans to “reorganise” the business.

The firm employs around 120 workers at its base in Telford Road, approximately 95 of which are permanent staff. It wants to cut the total number to 55.

Some of the jobs would move to Sunderland, where the company already has another facility.

In a letter to staff, the managing director Rob Bird wrote that the company was facing “the prospect of continuing significant trading losses” and it was clear that it needed to change.

Under the proposal, all “subassembly related processes” at Salisbury would be transferred to Sunderland, where the “availability of appropriate skills is greater” – leaving Salisbury as an “assembly operation”.

Mr Bird wrote: “The proposal will improve the company’s competitive position and secure long term investment and employment prospects for the majority of Argus employees.”

The letter explains that “significant investments” in machinery had been made at the Salisbury and Sunderland facilities since hydraulics firm Alfa Gomma bought the company in January last year.

But it had reviewed its operations over the past 12 months to find “opportunities for synergy savings”.

Mr Bird said the firm was “undergoing a review” of its manufacturing facilities in the UK and has entered a consultation period with employees.

“Currently the business carries out metal fabrication processes, cutting, bending, end forming, light fabrication and brazing at two locations, Salisbury and Sunderland,” he said.

“A consultation is currently underway to review a proposal to consolidate the Salisbury fabrication operations into the business unit in Sunderland. “It is proposed that all hose assembly processes remain in Salisbury.”