Jobs face axe as firm shuts

A Bridgnorth distribution company is closing with the loss of more than 20 jobs.Kecol Pumps, in Faraday Drive, is to shut down next month after its managing director, Eric Evans, who is retiring, was unable to find a buyer for the business.

Mr Evans said the manufacturing side of the firm, also in Bridgnorth, would still continue. However, the distribution side will fold with 21 jobs lost.

Mr Evans, who started the company 37 years ago, said: "Basically the company is closing because of the retirement of myself. I have been trying for some considerable time to sell the business but I've not managed to find a suitable buyer.

"The manufacturing side of the company will carry on though, but it's the distribution that is closing down.

"I built the company up from scratch myself so I would like to see it carry on. It will be the end of October when it closes and there is likely to be around 21 redundancies but some may be re-employed.

"Obviously I wish all the members of staff well in their future employment.

"I've got very fond memories of the company, it's been my life and it's very sad to see an end to it. I will be 66 on my next birthday so it's not a case of taking early retirement," he added.

The company started in Wolverhampton and moved to Bridgnorth in 1980.

Staff at the business, which makes piston pumps today said they were "upset" and "devastated" by the news.

A spokeswoman for the company said: "The company is closing and the whole building will be shut down.

"I don't know the finer details but obviously I'm upset because what do you do when you lose your job. There are 21 people losing their jobs."

She said: "I have worked there more than 20 years and everybody is gobsmacked and devastated, it's a very sad day for Bridgnorth."

By Rachael Lowe