MORE than 130 workers face an uncertain future after a company announced it was considering stopping manufacturing at its Norton plant.

Morganite Crucible, part of the Morgan Crucible Company, has revealed it may transfer manufacturing to other parts of the group, which are all based overseas.

Apart from its Norton site, which has operated since the Second World War, the group has manufacturing sites in Germany, India, Brazil, Mexico and the US.

The announcement puts the jobs of the 137 people who work at the Woodbury Lane site at risk.

The rise of the pound against the dollar and the Japanese Yen is one factor blamed for affecting the profitability of the company, which produces crucibles and clay graphite products.

The organisation has also cited increased competition from Asia for its decline.

A spokesman for the business said the company could keep the warehouse and distribution operations in the area but it is not yet clear how many jobs that would save. Mike Smith, from communications agency Finsbury, said: "We are considering closing the manufacturing at the plant. We are consulting with employee representatives at the moment."

Production at the plant could stop early next year.