WORKERS at one of Bolton's best-known factories are hoping for a period of stability following the latest round of job cuts.

The workforce at Beloit Walmsley Ltd on Crompton Way has been reduced by 275 over the last 18 months to 520.

It has been part of a world-wide re-structuring programme by the American-owned Beloit Corporation, a subsidiary of Harnischfeger Industries Inc.

The current job cuts - affecting 43 people - are due to be completed in the next few weeks.

Bolton has now become the "global centre of excellence" for rolls - reels, drums, shell-driers etc - used in the manufacture of the company's pulp and papermaking equipment.

Mrs Jackie Johnson, Personnel Administration Manager, says there are a few glimmers of light following the gloom of the current recession in the paper industry.

"We are hoping we are going to be fit and strong for whenever the upturn comes," she said.

More than £30 million has been invested in the site over the past few years.

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