Van-maker LDV today pledged to keep production in the Midlands after shunning approaches from foreign buyers who wanted to move vehicle manufacturing overseas.

Bosses said they were convinced the firm had a viable future in Birmingham, despite its 850-strong workforce not having worked since Christmas because of a lack of orders.

Management have been trying to put together a buyout deal with the aim of making the company the first major producer of electric vans in the UK.

Today, LDV spokesman Guy Jones said Russian parent company Gaz had insisted that manufacturing stay in the UK.

“They are committed to keeping production in Birmingham,” said Mr Jones.

“There have been a number of expressions of interest from overseas parties that involved moving production abroad but Gaz is still committed to supporting the buyout team.”

The company has been trying to gain support from the Government, but it turned down LDV’s appeal for a £30 million loan earlier this week.

The management team is hoping to go back to the Government with a new financial package next week.