The economic meltdown claimed even more victims today with the loss of more than 30 jobs at a copper firm in Wolverhampton.

A total of 36 jobs have been axed at Mueller Europe Ltd in Oxford Street, Bilston.

The news is the latest blow for the company after suffering a severe fire last year. More than 100 firefighters battled to contain the blaze, which ripped through the factory and destroyed a new roof, causing tens of thousands of pounds of damage.

Mueller produces copper pipes and has strong links with the building industry. Sales and marketing director Neil Overton said it had been rocked by a fall in demand and the job losses were unfortunate but necessary to safeguard the positions of the remaining 125 members of staff.

He said the fire had also had added to the problems as the firm was without production for a month.

Mr Overton said: “We are in the middle of a 30-day consultation at the moment which will conclude on March 27. The job losses are across the board, there are a number in the production area but some in admin as well.

“We wish we were not doing it but basically we are trying to guarantee the futures of the remaining 125 workers. I just hope that business picks up.”

The fire broke out at around 4am on November 10 in an area that contained tons of copper pipes. Security staff raised the alarm after seeing flames shooting from the roof of the factory.

The flames started where contractors has been working to replace an asbestos roof. Specialist fire crews used a hydraulic platform to fight the fire from above and an emergency decontamination unit was set up because of the risk from air-borne asbestos.

Mueller used to trade as Wednesbury Tube and has been in business for more than 75 years.

Manufacturing firms around the Wolverhampton and the Black Country have been hit by the economic downturn. Earlier this week, it emerged that Goodyear workers in the city could be forced to take more than three weeks off without pay.

Union leaders said it was likely staff would have to take a total of 68 “lay-off days” this year, 14 of which would be paid at 60 per cent of the normal rate and 15 days at £21.50 per day.

Workers will be asked to take two weeks as holiday and receive no pay at all for 25 days. It is understood the changes could affect 280 people.

Company bosses said they were awaiting feedback from unions over the new working proposals.

The tyre giant recently revealed it was making 5,000 job cuts globally.