AN ENGINEERING parts manufacturer in Blaenavon has announced that 14 jobs are under threat due to a decline in orders.

Doncasters Forgings has entered a consultation period with employees and union representatives on the proposed redundancy of 14 roles.

The general manager of the site in Foregeside, Damon Harvie, said: "Unfortunately we have had a significant decline in the order book for quarter four and have had to make the difficult decision to reduce the workforce in line with the current level of customer demand.

"We are working with our union representatives to explore options for mitigating the situation and minimising the impact on our employees and their families."

This follows a redundancy process at the Blaenavon facility earlier in the year when the workforce was reduced by 35.

Doncasters Forgings is a specialist manufacturer of forged and rolled rings, casings, and closed die forgings in nickel, cobalt, and titanium alloys and stainless steel.

The regional officer for the union Unite, Jeff Woods, said that consultations have begun between the union and the company.

He said: "It is positive that the company have agreed to consult with the workforce as they didn't have too as there is under 19 jobs under threat.

"We are working to mitigate the number of job losses and we are hoping to explore other options such as voluntary redundancies."

There are around 230 staff located at the site and Mr Woods explained that the jobs under threat are from the "shop floor" spread across different departments.