According to Scorpio chief executive Ian Whitfield, approximately 20 Z-Card staff based in Runcorn will transfer to Leeds. Final details of the move are expected next week but a specialist Z-Card production area has already been built.

"We put very good packages to the staff but the reality was that for most of them it was a long way for them to travel," said Whitfield. "We have already recruited staff and we are in the process of recruiting more."

Scorpio began talks to take over the manufacturing division of Z-Card over the summer.