Jobs under threat as Sunrise Medical Ltd forced to relocate

A firm which makes medical equipment is being forced to leave its Black Country base putting 150 jobs in the area under threat.

Sunrise Medical Ltd has been unable to negotiate an extension of the lease on its factory in High Street, Wollaston, Stourbridge.

Bosses say they may have to leave the region unless new premises are found before October 2012 when the lease expires.

Sunrise's director of UK operations, Kevin Maclean, today said staff were being kept up to date with developments.

He said discussions had been held with the site's owners, Halesowen-based developers Revelan Group Ltd, about extending the lease. But Mr Maclean said Revelan was looking at future developments for the site and would not offer Sunrise a new lease.

The move comes just weeks after neighbouring metal supply firm Caparo Aluminium Technology announced it was closing its foundry by March with the loss of 40 jobs.

"The landlord is looking to develop this site further to the situation with Caparo," Mr Maclean said. "We have asked if we could extend our lease here but have been told this is not possible."