Defence giant BAE Systems is to axe more than 1,100 jobs and close one of its sites in Britain.
The company confirmed it had started consultation on the potential closure of Woodford and cuts at another three sites, with the loss of 1,116 jobs.
The firm is planning to close the Woodford site at the end of 2012, on completion of the Nimrod MRA4 production contract, with the loss of 630 jobs. A further 205 jobs will be lost at Samlesbury in Lancashire, 170 jobs at Warton in Lancashire and 111 jobs at Farnborough in Hampshire.
The company said it took the decision following a detailed review of its current and future business levels.
The Confederation of Shipbuilding and Engineering Unions (CSEU) said the news was "bitterly disappointing" for workers and local communities.
The CSEU's general secretary, Hugh Scullion, said: "This is bitterly disappointing news for the staff and for the local communities which rely on these jobs.
PA