Some you win, some you lose. That could be a cynical view looking at the two business issues this week.

The good news is that the long-established textile company Woodrow Universal Limited is to consolidate all of its manufacturing in Cross Hills. The bad news is that it means the closure of the company's plant in Farnworth, Lancashire where 51 people work. It is likely they will be offered the chance to relocate here.

The company says the rationalisation is necessary in order to secure the firm's viability.

In the other development involving the equally long-established engineering company Wask it is the flip side.The firm's American owners plan to shift all production from Keighley to an existing plant in Ipswich -- good news for them. It will mean the firm stops manufacturing in Keighley before the end of the year. Over 80 people face losing their jobs, though the firm says relocation packages will be offered where possible.

The company says it regrets having to take the decision but had to look at the on-going business and how it can survive.The General and Municipal Boilermakers Union is planning to fight the closure saying there is much disbelief and anger among the workforce.

The loss of Wask is devastating for the area and is another significant loss for the town's manufacturing base. Once lost the jobs are gone forever.

It is right that moves are made to keep Wask open. For Keighley is a superb manufacturing base in the UK, with a bank of skills and a commitment to training for the future. A number of people and organisations are working on realistic strategies to maintain and build on that base.

Woodrow Universal says it is fully aware of its social responsibilities and is working with the unions to minimise the impact on employees and the local community at Farnworth. Crane Ltd, the new owners of Wask should take note of that approach.