MORE than 60 jobs will be axed at a Gwent factory in order to secure its long-term future.

Bosses at Unilever, which runs the Pot Noodle fatory in Crumlin, announced the job cuts after a seven month review into the factory's future.

Fears had been raised by union leaders and local politicians that the factory could shut, leaving 220 staff out of work.

But Unilever announced they will axe 62 jobs due to the automation of a manual production line, that will require a £1 million investment.

Union leaders and politicians described the announcement as a relief.

Jeff Woods, Crumlin T&GWU leader said: "It's very bad news for the 62 people who will lose their jobs but very good news the factory won't be closed."

The Crumlin factory opened in 1979, and is the only manufacturing plant the company has in Wales and produces all Unilever's Pot Noodle products.

The plant's future has been under threat since last September after Unilever set up a review to "improve competition and profitability."

Keith Lloyd, Cllr for Crumlin said: "The investment in automation might mean the loss of some jobs but it will secure the majority of jobs at the factory in the long run. It's a relief."

A worker who did not want to be named said: "Although the factory is not closing comes as a relief, everyone is anxious to know who's going to be made redundant ."

Trevor Gorin, spokesman for Unilever, emphasised that it is still early days but said the company would ideally want to secure all 62 redundancies voluntarily.

Union leader Mr Woods said: "The South Wales manufacturing closures in hand with the credit crunch suggests it will be unlikely the Newport economy can absorb these job loses."