The tinplate plant is one of the largest private employers in Llanelli

Steelmaker Corus said it was making the cuts to improve efficiency and safeguard the future of the plant.

The company, which employs 992 workers at the site, said the majority of posts to go over the coming year would be in administration and accounts.

Trostre escaped the most recent job cuts made by Corus last year which saw 1,150 posts go at plants across the UK.

We have to secure the long term viability of Trostre both for our workforce and the local community Plant manager Stuart Wilkie

But Trostre, part of Corus Packaging Plus which primarily makes products used in the beverage and food industries, is facing stiff competition from rival firms selling aluminium, paper or plastic alternatives.

Senior managers, who announced the job cuts to the plant's workers on Tuesday, said the decision followed a nine-month review.

They say the heightened competition came at a time of rapidly rising prices for steel, which is an integral element in the tinplate making process.

Consultation with employees and discussions with unions has already begun on the best way to manage the cuts.

Plant manager Stuart Wilkie said: "The job reductions, while regrettable, are necessary and come at the end of a nine-month review of our operation.

"We have to secure the long term viability of Trostre both for our workforce and the local community and this is a key step.