Threat to jobs at Halesowen firm Thompson Friction Welding

Ninety-three jobs are in doubt after owners of an award-winning Black Country manufacturing firm said they plan to set up a new plant in North America.

Staff at Thompson Friction Welding Ltd, Hereward Rise, Halesowen, are uncertain of the future after German owners, KUKA Systems GMBH, unveiled plans. Bosses held talks with workers on Wednesday after the announcement.

The firm says it lost millions in orders and faced court costs because of a blunder by tax inspectors.

It plans to sue Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs because it says its reputation was damaged by a mistaken winding up order in February. Chiefs said the American move was "strategic" and not influenced by the legal action.

Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs apologised for "clerical error". A spokeswoman said she could not comment further.