Jobs fear as Tarmac to close head office
Midlands building materials giant Tarmac has announced plans to close its head office, leaving 500 workers fearing for the future of their jobs, it was revealed today.
The firm aims to wind down its base in Millfields Road, Wolverhampton, over the next 18 months. The plan is part of a joint venture with concrete giant Lafarge.
The new headquarters would be at Lafarge's site in Solihull, leaving staff at the Ettingshall base fearing for their future.
Employees said although the main office would be shut down, other parts of the business on the Millfields Road site, such as the laboratory, were expected to stay open.
One worker, who did not want to be named, said: "We don't know what's going to happen.
"We've been given no details about whether we'll have jobs or not."
Tarmac has been part of Wolverhampton since the early 1900s when it was formed as the Tarmacadam Syndicate.
Pat McFadden, MP for Wolverhampton South East, said: "This is a bitter blow for the local area and the local economy.
"Tarmac has a very long history in Wolverhampton and we are losing not only much needed jobs but a company with iconic significance for the city.
"I have spoken to the chief executive and expressed my disappointment.
"What we need desperately in Wolverhampton is more jobs and more businesses coming here, not companies like Tarmac leaving the area."
The deal with French firm Lafarge is worth more than £2 billion.
Tarmac spokeswoman Sheena Shah said: "We are currently consulting with employees on how the Tarmac/Lafarge joint venture will be structured once the regulatory process is complete."
