323 Caparo jobs to go in Black Country as five UK plants close
A total of 323 workers in the Black Country lost their jobs at troubled steel giant Caparo today as it shut three plants in the region.
The worst hit in the region is Darlaston-based Caparo Atlas Fastenings, where 122 jobs are going as the plant closes.
Also closing is Caparo Forging Europe in Dudley, with the loss of 64 jobs, and Caparo Fairbright Wire in West Bromwich, with 59 jobs axed.
Bases in Hartlepool and Wales are also closing.
Darlaston 122
Hartlepool 79
Oldbury 68
Dudley 64
West Bromwich 59
Tredegar 17
Wrexham 12
Cradley Heath 10
Other 21
Total 452
At Caparo Precision Tubes in Oldbury, 68 people have been made redundant.
Matt Hammond, PwC partner and lead administrator said: "It is with regret that we have made these decisions today, but the commercial prospects of the affected businesses render them unviable.
"We thank those former members of staff for their service to CIP; we will work closely with them, their representatives and agencies to ensure that their redundancy and other claims are handled efficiently at this difficult time.
"We will also work closely with other bodies who naturally will want to assist at this time with regard to future employment opportunities."
"More than 1,200 staff remain employed in CIP. They continue to work and be paid as normal at the following CIP businesses and locations which are operating on a 'business as usual' basis."
"At this difficult time, our focus, together with the 1,200 strong CIP team, remains on keeping these businesses stable and satisfying all customers who are supporting the operations, while exploring all options and interests for the disposal of the businesses.
"We are encouraged by the interest expressed in many of the businesses and hope to make substantial progress on this during November. We would like to thank all staff for their continued commitment and we will make every effort to help the workers affected by today's announcement."
Administrators for the troubled steel giant were in meetings with staff about the future of their jobs today.
Union leaders from Unite said they were 'extremely disappointed' by the news and were setting up a helpline to support staff.
Concerned workers are urged to call the Unite helpline on 0121 647 4317.
