ELECTRONICS firm Tamura Hinchley is hoping that job losses at the company's Hopton plant, made necessary by the worldwide downturn in the telecommunications market, can be achieved by voluntary redundancies.

A statement released by the company last week said that general market conditions and the continued strength of the pound has had a negative impact on the business, leading it to review its European operations.

It is looking to lose up to 30 jobs from across its UK operations, which are mainly based at Devizes and Wolverhampton, in the West Midlands, although some jobs could go from offices in Birmingham.

Personnel adviser Brian Ingleson said:

"This action is being taken as a positive step to enable the company to maintain its facilities in Devizes and Wolverhampton.

"The company will be holding full consultations with employee representatives on the proposals and no further statements will be issued."

The strength of the pound led Tamura Hinchley, which makes electric transformers and other components for the electronics market, to lose nearly 50 jobs two-and-a-half years ago.

Currently, 200 people are employed at the plant on Hopton Industrial Estate and the company has always maintained its belief in the Devizes plant

The company has invested over £2 million in the town, after moving from its previous premises in Pans Lane.