SCORES of jobs at a Hampshire fire equipment maker could be lost if a plan to switch production elsewhere is carried out.

AS Fire and Rescue, one of Totton's biggest employers, sent a letter to around 60 staff warning bosses planned to move the company to Cambridge. The letter from managing director Bob Dewin warns there is "potential for redundancies".

Recognised around the globe as the leading maker of fire brigade ladders, AS was bought by support services specialist AssetCo last year. Angry staff hit out at the company, telling the Daily Echo AS was profitable and it was only because of the new owners that they could lose their jobs.

A worker, who did not want to be named, said: "We made £1m plus every financial year for the last few years. We have never lost money but other companies in the group have been in deficit.

Anger "It doesn't make sense to us. People feel a lot of anger. There's going to be 60 odd people out of work and looking for another job.

"If the company hadn't been bought out, this wouldn't be happening."

Colin Davies of the Usdaw union, which represents more than half the AS workforce, said: "It doesn't seem right and our members are concerned about why they would go to Cambridge and not stay in Totton.

"I believe that the site in Totton is leasehold but they own the site in Cambridge.

"We are asking the company to come forward with proposals for relocation. We will be trying to make sure our members have a say in what's happening."

The letter from Mr Dewin said: "Following an internal evaluation of the operation and facilities within AssetCo plc's business, there is a proposal to close the Totton facility in Southampton and relocate to AS Fire and Rescue to Papworth Business Park in Cambridge.

"Within this proposal, it is envisaged that there is the potential for redundancies but as yet no firm decision has been taken."

In 1978, Angus Sacol Ladders was formed for the specific purpose of making firebrigade ladders, from local firms Sacol Engineering and Angus Fire Armour.

This continued until 1995, when a management buy-out took place and the company name was changed to AS Fire and Rescue Equipment.

The company was sold to AssetCo for an undisclosed sum in March last year.

No one was available for comment.