SIEMENS VAI is set to axe hundreds of jobs at their UK head office at Bournemouth Airport.

The base at Enterprise Way at the Aviation Park focuses on the design and engineering of rolling mills and automation systems for the aluminium industry.

It is one of four UK based offices, which between them employs around 500 people.

One employee, who did not want to be named said: "We're in total shock. None of us saw this coming and we're devastated.

"I've worked here for about 15 years and cannot believe the whole centre will close."

The male employee said he believed a lot of work had been transferred to the Erlangen base in Germany since the worldwide recession started last year.

Siemens also announced last night it was planning to shed some 850 staff in its Austrian software branch until the end of September, which amounts to around half their workforce.

In a statement to the Daily Echo at 2pm today, Siemens confirmed that it is undertaking a strategic review of its metals and minings business in line with challenging economic conditions and significant decreased demand in this sector of industry worldwide.

The statement said: "As part of this review, the outcomes of which are expected to be implemented by the end of 2010, the company has announced that it is considering the future of its operation in Christchurch, Siemens VAI Metals Technology Ltd.

"Around 240 Siemens' employees are based in Christchurch and the company will now enter a formal consultation process with all those affected in line with statutory requirements.

"All employees will receive support and guidance from Siemens throughout the consultation period. Siemens will endeavour to provide redeployment and re-skilling opportunities wherever practicable within the wider Siemens organisation.

"Siemens' other operations in Dorset are unaffected by this review."

For reaction, analysis and background, see tomorrow's Daily Echo.