AN ELECTRICAL components company is creating 35 new jobs in Ellesmere Port.

Cogent Power will transfer production of high-speed stamping equipment from its West Midlands plant to its town centre base in Cromwell Road, creating the extra jobs.

However, the company will also stop making laminations in the Port for continental European markets.

As a result, 25 of its 47-strong workforce in this department will be affected but they will be absorbed into the new job opportunities at the site.

Cogent, which is 75% owned by Corus and 25% by SSAB Svenskt Stål AB of Sweden, announced the relocation of its operations as part of a restructure programme. It starts immediately and will be completed by early 2005.

The programme is aimed at increasing focus on market requirements and hopes to return the Cogent Group's UK laminations businesses to profitability.

Consultation has started with trade union representatives and a counselling programme will be provided for employees affected by the closure.

Customers are being notified of the implications to their business.

Managing director Marcel Schabos said: 'Cogent's businesses in the UK have been incurring significant and increasing losses over a number of years despite strenuous efforts to reverse this situation.

'Unfortunately, no prospect of sustained recovery within the current UK site, equipment and order book configuration is considered possible.

'Implementing this restructuring programme will ensure that important customers and products will be retained while we continue to drive to restore profitability in the laminations division and throughout the Cogent Power Group.'