181 jobs under threat at Lichfield's Norgren plant

Up to 181 jobs were under threat today as a Staffordshire engineering firm announced plans to relocate.

Staff at Norgren were delivered the blow just a week before Christmas, although bosses say the jobs will not go until next year at the earliest.

The Lichfield-based manufacturer is planning to restructure the firm to create a new "engineering advantage centre".

The company is considering moving from its Eastern Avenue headquarters to another location in the city.

A formal consultation will be launched soon with staff. It is the latest blow to businesses in Staffordshire, with hundreds of jobs lost in recent months.

Will Shaw, spokesman for parent company IMI, said: "Within the proposal, there is the option of relocating the current Lichfield site locally, to a more custom-designed facility that would appropriately represent the engineering advantage strategy for Norgren and represent a long-term commitment to the local area.

"This proposal also calls for the transfer and outsourcing of a number of the current manufacturing operations at Lichfield, covering a significant area of the current fittings and valves business units.

"There are likely to be 181 staff affected by the consultation, with the reduction in employee numbers occurring during 2012 and 2013."

He said Norgren bosses would work closely with local agencies to minimise the impact of the proposals on employees.

Norgren employs 1,400 across the UK with hundreds at the base in Lichfield. One worker, who did not wish to be named, today said: "Unfortunately, we fear the majority of cuts will be from the shop floor."

It comes after 150 people lost their jobs when Parry Bowen in Chasetown ceased trading in October. And last month, Lichfield's Linford Group collapsed, leaving 240 people out of work.