UPDATE: 6.29pm

JOBS could be lost at a Monmouthshire munitions factory after its owner announced it would consult with workers about making some redundant.

BAE Systems, who own the Glascoed plant, said they had started consultations with trade unions about losses there and at Radway Green in Cheshire.

A BAE spokesman said about 600 people work at the plantGwent factory but it is unknown how many will be affected.

He said the staff losses were expected to have taken place in 2012 and 2014 but were postponed because of “additional operational requirements”.

He added: “These additional activities have now ceased and therefore it is with regret that the company is now looking to reduce its headcount. However, it is hoped that the potential headcount reduction will be achieved through a voluntary redundancy programme.”

The 1,000-acre site near Usk started producing munitions in 1940 during the Second World War.

In June 2012, the Argus reported the British withdrawal from Afghanistan played a part in the decision to cut the jobs when they were mooted then.

A 90-day consultation was held – and it was then thought 620 jobs could have been lost across the UK at BAE bases.

BAE Systems said then that the workers were no longer required as a result of a £50 million “site transformation programme” and less demand from the UK Government’s Ministry of Defence. The cuts were required to keep the company competitive, it said.

Glascoed takes empty ammunition bodies from BAE’s plant at Washington, Tyne and Wear and fills them with explosives, making tank rounds and mortar bombs.

The Argus contacted trade union Unite for a comment but was unable to speak to any representative.

Last September, Monmouth MP David Davies took the then-Minister for defence, equipment, support and technology Philip Dunne around Glascoed.

They were visiting the site following a “transformation project” being completed, in which 250 buildings dating from the Second World War were demolished and replaced with new ones.

At the time, Mr Dunne said: “I am delighted to be here in support of local MP David Davies, visiting one of Monmouthshire’s largest employers.

“The new programme will support jobs supplying munitions at home and abroad.”

Mr Davies said: “BAE is a hugely important part of the local economy. The work done here is vital in ensuring the safety of the British Armed Forces defending us here and abroad.”

Mr Davies was unable to comment on the job loss plan today.

12.58pm

BAE Systems confirmed there could be job losses at its Glascoed munitions plant today.

A spokesman said they had entered into consultation with the trade unions on possible job cuts at its sites in Glascoed and Radway Green.

He said the staff cuts were expected to have taken place in 2014 and 2012, but were postponed due to "additional operational requirements".

He added: "These additional activities have now ceased and therefore it is with regret that the company is now looking to reduce its headcount. However, it is hoped that the potential headcount reduction will be achieved through a voluntary redundancy programme.”