140 jobs to go as Rowley Regis firm moves out

French distribution company Norbert Dentressangle will shut in Rowley Regis and instead invest in a new central UK headquarters in Crick, Northamptonshire.

All 140 jobs at the plant in Doulton Road will go, but staff are being given the chance to transfer to the Northamptonshire site.

Mike Bridges, managing director of Norbert Dentressangle transport services, said: "In line with our aim of continually improving our service, we are investing in a new 285,000sq ft facility at Crick for the UK Transport Services division that will provide a strategic Midlands hub and a head office.

"This will involve the transfer of operations from our depot at Rowley Regis, which will close. The proposed relocation will be phased and is scheduled to begin from January 2014 and be completed by May.

"We are offering all our employees the opportunity to transfer to Crick and hope as many as possible will join us at the new site.

"However, we appreciate this is an unsettling time for those who may find it hard to relocate, and we will be entering into consultation with colleagues affected by the move."

Fork-lift truck driver Phil Mees, aged 44, said: "The depot will close next March and we'll all be made redundant. They are moving near Northampton. But it's too far for most to travel and I won't be going."

Mr Mees, a divorcee living in Bluestone Walk, Rowley Regis, added: "I've worked here for eight years. I'm gutted really."

Moves to shut the plant could now pave the way for a housing development.

Plans are being discussed to demolish the existing buildings to make way for 88 two-bedroom houses, 102 three-bedroom and 15 four-bedroom properties, as well as shops.