KVAERNER Kincaid confirmed yesterday that it would cease manufacturing and could make between 40 and 50 of its 72-strong workforce redundant, writes Ian McConnell.

The redundancy notices could be issued by the Greenock-based marine diesel engine components company before Christmas.

Norwegian engineering and facilities management group Kvaerner announced the sale of the operation through the Stock Exchange yesterday, although the deal was completed on December 1.

The buyer is Swedish group Scandiaverken, which will turn Kincaid into a sales and distribution centre for marine engine components. A Kvaerner spokesman said the price was ''a few hundred thousand pounds''.

Meanwhile, Kvaerner hoped that it could still find a buyer for the manufacturing part of Kvaerner Energy at Clydebank.