UP TO 150 jobs will be lost at glassmaker Pilkington, it was announced yesterday.

The St Helens firm’s parent company, Nippon Glass Sheet Group (NSG), plans to stop manufacturing at two sites in the town by the end of April.

It said a lower than expected demand for solar power products abroad was the reason for the decision. The company is shedding 3,500 jobs worldwide, from a workforce of 28,500 in 29 countries, as it takes "radical measures" to cut costs.

The job losses will affect the UK6 Float line at Pilkington’s Greengate site and the solar cutting operation at the Cowley Hill site.

In a statement, NSG said: “This will result in a reduction of 150 roles across the two sites, both based in St Helens.

Management and trade unions will start consultation on how to achieve this reduction.

“A series of employee briefings is now underway with management.”

In a statement, Tokyo-based NSG said: “On 2 November 2011, NSG published results for the first half of the current financial year.

“The group reported that, while its operating performance in the first half of the year was in line with the group’s expectations and similar to the first half performance previously forecasted, conditions were becoming increasingly challenging in many of the group’s core markets.

“Since then, the group has experienced a reduction in many of its core markets, including its significant European building products and automotive markets. 

“The global market for solar energy glass has also worsened significantly during the third quarter. 

“While the longer-term prospects for these markets remain positive, the group does not expect to see a recovery during the remainder of the current financial year.”