90 jobs at risk as Dudley fire alarm firm faces move
Up to 90 jobs are under threat at a Dudley manufacturing firm under plans to move the work overseas.
Control Equipment which manufactures fire alarm panels and other detection devices, could close its site in Cinder Bank, Netherton in March 2014, if the proposals are agreed.
Bosses plan to shut the Dudley site and concentrate manufacturing at its base in Rájeko in the Czech Republic.
The decision was today met with dismay by Netherton councillor Qadar Zada who described it as 'extremely disappointing'.
The firm, which employs 90 people, manufactures fire alarm panels and other detection devices.
It is owned by Tyco Fire Protection Products which says the proposals follow a review of its fire detection manufacturing sites.
The firm said it hoped to 'avoid making redundancies' and would look to re-deploy workers in other roles where possible.
A full consultation is now due to take place.
Bosses said the site in Rájeko provided 'world-class' facilities and there was a high level of duplication in the manufacturing processes between the two sites.
A spokesman said: "Presently, Tyco manufactures Fire Detection products at two locations in Europe, Rájeko and Dudley in the UK. There is a high degree of duplication in manufacturing processes, footprint, and headcount between these locations.
"However our manufacturing operation in Rájeko is a modern, 'world-class', manufacturing facility with production capabilities that are easily scalable and is one of our manufacturing 'Centres of Excellence'.
"If these proposals proceed, transfer of the production activities to Rájeko would commence over a transitional period which would result in the closure of the Dudley site on March 31 2014.
"Tyco will try to avoid making redundancies and will explore other alternative roles within Tyco for the affected employees, where they exist."
Councillor Zada said today: "I'm extremely disappointed that the firm has made the decision to look at closing the site.
"We need as many employers in the borough as possible in the current climate with so many people out of work.
"And now there could more people looking for jobs.
"Manufacturing is struggling but every company makes a difference and it's extremely sad that we are losing this one.
"It shows that we need to do more to encourage employers to stay in the area," he said.
