JOBS could be axed if SCA Packaging goes ahead with its plan to merge its North Road plant with one at Wigan.

The Swedish company has its British base in Kent and, with more than 200 plants across Europe, produces about 35m corrugated board boxes and trays every day.

Spokesman Tony Treasure says the company has undertaken an extensive review of its existing asset base in the North West and as a result is proposing to service its customers by bringing together its Ellesmere Port and Wigan operations as one regional business.

He said: 'This proposal will enable the company to refocus both operations and ensure the highest levels of customer service and satisfaction. As a consequence this may result in a number of redundancies at both Ellesmere Port and Wigan.

'But both sites remain key to our strategy in the North West. The company will be consulting with employees and their representatives about the plan and the implications for the future. All employment rights will be fully respected and the company will, as part of the consultation process, be reviewing possibilities for redeployment.'

Billy Morris, branch secretary of the Graphical Paper and Media Union, declined to make any comment.