Visteon, the global car parts maker, has started a restructuring programme at its plant in Northern Ireland, offering at least £30,000 to staff who take voluntary redundancy.

The company is seeking to cut 94 jobs at the Belfast operation as part of a wider programme of streamlining. In addition, around 100 production staff currently working at the Visteon Swansea plant will transfer to Ford’s Bridgend engine plant in the first three months of 2006.

The move follows a recently completed transaction with Ford to strengthen Visteon’s competitive structure in North America. As a result of this deal, Visteon says it will continue with further restructuring over the next few years to create a position of sustainable success in the highly competitive parts supply industry.

Visteon told AM that its management has briefed employees and union representatives on the status of Visteon UK on the restructuring.

“We are considering a number of actions that include focusing the product portfolio, selling off unused assets and working with our employees and unions to improve the competitiveness of each UK facility,” says its statement.

Terms offered to Belfast staff provide an opportunity for voluntary redundancy or early retirement where appropriate. As a result, different packages are available.

The voluntary redundancy package is a minimum lump sum of £30,000, which may be exceeded dependent upon the employee’s position and length of service with the company.