Steel jobs facing the axe
An historic Walsall foundry is facing closure with around 150 jobs hanging in the balance, it was revealed today.
Ductile Wesson at Victoria Steel Works in Moxley was today in crisis, putting 200 years of traditional metal-working on the site under threat. The firm is owned by steel processor Niagara LaSalle (UK) Ltd.
The downturn in the economy has sparked a 90-day consultation over its future, with a decision due at the beginning of April.
There has been a foundry at the 13-acre site since the early 1800s.
Managing director Tarlok Singh said: "We deeply regret we have been forced to take this course of action.
"The severe downturn in the global economy coupled with intense domestic and foreign competition and violently escalating energy costs means the viability of keeping the Victoria Steel Works operating is under question.
"In this difficult time we are looking at all options to ensure we make the right decisions for all concerned. "
The company, based in Bull Lane and previously known as W Wesson, also has sites in Planetary Road, Willenhall; Peartree Lane, Brierley Hill; and Bagnall Street in Tipton – but they will not be affected.
Today's grim news comes in the wake of 137 job losses at Stokes Forgings in Northcote Street, Birchills, which were announced last week along with 80 more jobs being at risk at Darlaston's Woodward Food Services.
