DOZENS of workers at a Colchester firm face losing their jobs amid a company takeover.

Gamet Bearings, in Hythe Station Road, has been bought by a rival firm based more than 200 miles away.

The Gazette understands staff have been told their jobs are now under threat.

The firm has been taken over by Huddersfield-based HB Bearings with 20 jobs at risk.

However Gamet Bearings, which is run by the 600 Group PLC, said there may be opportunities to “transfer some personnel” but it did not confirm where they would based.

A source told the Gazette the firm only employs around 20 members of staff - meaning all those at the Colchester base face losing their jobs.

It is understood staff have been told any closure would be by the end of September.

The source said: “At 63-years-old, this is one of Colchester’s longest running factories.”

A statement from Gamet Bearings said: “Although opportunities will exist to transfer some personnel, it is anticipated 20 jobs based in Colchester will be affected.

“The company will now start a period of consultation and is committed to support all those affected.

“The 600 Group PLC is a diversified engineering group with a world class reputation in the manufacture and distribution of machine tools, precision engineered components and industrial laser systems.”

The Gazette asked the company to confirm whether all staff were being put at risk of redundancy but it did not respond.

A statement on the HB Bearings website said: “[We] have reached an agreement to purchase Colchester based Gamet Bearings.

“The expected acquisition increases our product portfolio.

“We have been successfully manufacturing precision bearings in-house in the UK since 1972 and have an extensive customer base which includes a number of prestigious clients.

“This will be a compliment to our existing capabilities and strengthens our position in the market.”

It added: “We intend to consolidate all operations at our UK based manufacturing facilities situated in Holmfirth and will take on the Gamet product and brand as part of our current product portfolio.”

HB Bearings did not wish to comment further on the redundancies.

Neither firm would confirm if the Colchester building will be closed down as a result of the takeover.