A German flat pack housing giant is in talks to open a new plant in the Black Country.

Streif says discussions are in their early stages but has confirmed Sandwell is its preferred location for a new Midlands operation.

The firm specialises in the delivery of part-finished or pre-fabricated houses where people can purchase the basic structure for a bespoke home which is produced in a factory and then delivered to a site to be erected.

If a deal goes through it could bring anything up to 500 jobs, including those in the company’s supply chain, to the area.

Managing director Hans Kohl said: “We are very much interested in Sand-well and have had good talks and very open discussions. We have been in the UK for a couple of years and are very interested in the Midlands.

“We would like to build a plant in the near future.”

The company, which has a base in Brighton and Hove, builds a superstructure that comes with internal walls finished with fibreboards which are taped and jointed.

A delegation from Sandwell Council has been to visit the company at one of its bases near Cologne.

Sandwell Council leader Councillor Bill Thomas said: “Everything is still being evaluated and costed out.”