THE LOSS of a vital contract has resulted in job losses, pay cuts and a downsizing of premises for a west Cumbrian supply firm.

Romar Innovate Ltd, a Whitehaven-based workwear and Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) supplier, has axed 16 jobs and will relocate from Hensingham to smaller premises at Leconfield Industrial Estate in Cleator Moor.

The firm, which was founded in 1987 by John and Linda Rowlands, narrowly missed out on a multi-million pound contract to provide PPE to Sellafield Ltd and other sites run by the Nuclear Decommisioning Authority.

National safety products company Arco is set to open a distribution centre at Lillyhall after winning a £11 million contract to provide the equipment. It will employ up to 10 people.

Despite the winning two contracts, to supply work wear and specialist PPE to nuclear sites, Romar managing director John Rowlands said he was "deeply saddened" by the job losses.

Mr Rowlands, said: “I am deeply saddened at the job losses who collectively have over 250 years’ experience of supplying the nuclear industry.

"I would like to thank them for all loyalty and hard work over these years. Although this has come as a blow to ourselves we are still in a strong position to deliver current business and any new opportunities that may arise.

"In order to ensure a stable future for the company we have received ongoing help and support from the Copeland mayor Mike Starkie and the managing director of Copeland Council Pat Graham, this has been much appreciated and ensures a smooth transition to our new site.”

Romar has been involved in charity both locally and abroad. In 2007, it set up the Romar Innovate Trust Fund, charitable organisation that seeks to give back to the local area. The firm has championed and given Rising Sun Trust, which provides rehabilitation services to people who have drug and alcohol addiction.

In 2014, the firm also helped in the fight against the Ebola crisis by making protective suits for overseas medics in Sierra Leone.

A Sellafield Ltd spokesman said: “Romar remains an important supplier to Sellafield, having won two out of three PPE contracts, including the value-added manufacturing element.

“This was a fair and open process carried out under the Crown Commercial Services Framework.

“As with all competitions, there are winners and losers and it is always disappointing when a local company loses out.

“However, we are committed to working with the community to ensure any negative impacts are minimised. This includes help to find alternative employment for those affected via our West Cumbria Works service.

“Sellafield Ltd is owned by the UK taxpayer and we have a duty to seek value for money in the contracts we let.

“Arco, the winning bidder in lot 1 of the PPE procurement, has pledged to create 10 new jobs in west Cumbria and to source products from the local supply chain where possible, offering extra opportunities to firms like Romar.”