THE future of up to 75 manufacturing jobs in Bolton is uncertain after a chemical company went into administration.

Staff at Darcy Industries, a manufacturer of cleaning, DIY and decorative products, based at Riversdale Mill in Hacken Lane, Darcy Lever, were told the about the situation yesterday.

And up to 75 jobs will be lost at another firm, Vernacare, in an efficiency drive.

Darcy Industries employs a total of 150 people at two sites, the other site being in Liverpool Road, Warrington.

The firm, which has a turnover of about £19 million, is best known for the brands such as Hospec and Youngs Detergents. Paul Dumbell and Brian Green, from KPMG Restructuring of Manchester, have been appointed as administrators.

Mr Dumbell said: "We are in dialogue with customers and suppliers with the intention to continue trading whilst exploring the possibility of achieving a sale as a going concern.

"We would like to thank the customers, suppliers and employees for their support and patience so far.

"We are extremely hopeful of being able to conclude a sale to protect as many jobs as possible."

NHS supply company Vernacare has said that up to 75 jobs will go following a review of manufacturing operations which starts later this month.

The company said it is introducing automated manufacturing processes to improve efficiency.

A meeting between the company, based in Folds Road, Bolton, and trade union Amicus took place earlier this week.

Union officials were told by management the redundancies will be made over the next 12 months, but some could be made as early as May. Some staff may be offered the opportunity to redeploy elsewhere in the company.