Jobs axe worries at factory

Friday 8th September 2006, 12:36PM BST.

Consultation has begun at British Springs over proposals to relocate its base on the Stanmore Industrial Estate to Sheffield.

The bleak news comes just months after Bridgnorth Aluminium axed 55 jobs and today sparked claims that high energy costs are driving businesses out of the town.

Managers at Sheffield-based OSL Group Holdings Ltd – which owns British Springs – confirmed consultation was under way over the proposed relocation.

Ludlow MP Philip Dunne said he was “very concerned” the manufacturing employment base of Bridgnorth was being threatened by rises in energy costs.

He said British Springs had now cited its lack of natural gas supply on the Stanmore Industrial Estate as a significant reason for higher operating costs in the town.

Lee Hambleton, divisional financial controller for the springs division, said times were “tough” in manufacturing, especially the foundry business.

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