AFTER the shock of learning that the company could close down, workers at Avon Automotive in Trowbridge are now considering their future.

They have entered into a 90-day negotiation period with the company, at the end of which the final decision on whether it should close will be made.

A spokesman for the company said: "The employees are talking with the union and with the management about redundancy packages.

"The company is looking at their skills to see if they can be re-employed by Avon at another site."

The news that the company does not plan to renew the lease at the Trowbridge site when it runs out in 2003 was broken to the stunned workforce, last Wednesday.

There are 273 employees in Trowbridge and a further 12 jobs are on the line at the company's Bowerhill site in Melksham.

Falling profits have meant that the company is looking to cheaper facilities in Eastern Europe to manufacture car hoses.

A spokesman said that the company is considering how it can support and help those who will be made redundant if the closure goes ahead.

"We are not going to just send them off with a cheque.

"We will do everything we can to try and get them further employment, even if it is not with Avon."

AVON Rubber has assured 305 staff at its Chippenham factory that their jobs are safe.

Last week the company announced it was closing its automotive factory in Trowbridge with the loss of around 300 jobs in the town and at Bowerhill in Melksham.

But staff at Avon Vibration Management Systems, in Bumpers Way, have been told their business is doing well.

A company spokesman said: "Everything is carrying on as normal."

The Chippenham factory produces vibration management products, including suspension bushes for cars.

Directors confirmed on October 26 they had begun negotiations that could lead to the company being taken over.

Last week Avon Rubber announced a fall in pre-tax profits from £12.4 million in 2000 to £3.4 million in the year to September 29.

Turnover remained stable at £278 million.