The job cuts come five months after Ciba bought WJ to become the largest contact lens company in the UK and the second largest worldwide (News, June 2). The contact lens manufacturing plant will close during 2001 and production of the Precision UV and Elegance lenses currently manufactured at the Hedge End site will be transferred to other Ciba Vision facilities in the US and the Far East. Marcus Swalwell, Ciba Vision managing director, said the company needed to utilise its global supply chain efficiency for Precision UV. 'Our Farnham-based 'make-to-order' lens production facility will continue to manufacture our specialist lenses,' he said, 'and we will strengthen our support and service for this sector.' The changes, however, may mean more staff will be needed at nearby Eastleigh, where 60 are currently employed. Mr Swalwell added that the company is strengthening his team with Andy Cockayne and others from WJ. In addition, the combined company's salesforce will be expanded to 13 representatives, with the appointment of Howard Johnson as customer services manager. He heads an expanded team including the majority of customer care staff from both companies. Ron Loveridge has joined the combined professional services team, and will focus on the technical support of conventional and coloured contact lenses. Mr Swalwell said he hoped to strengthen the company's relationships with professional groups, and improve the product range by 'exceptional new developments'.