A lorry parts business has gone into administration after more than 80 years, leaving 131 jobs hanging in the balance, it emerged today.

Employees at JC Payne Truck Bodies Ltd in Aldridge have been sent letters informing them of the firm’s financial crisis.

Administrators Tenon Recovery confirmed it had been called in by the firm.

The latest blow to manufacturing in the West Midlands comes after more than 500 jobs were shed at Aldridge firms alone in recent months.

A shift was still working at the JC Payne site in Westgate today but one worker, who did not want to be named, said staff had been left out of pocket.

“The administrators have revealed that they did not have funds to pay wages owed or redundancy payments despite the fact that short-time working has been in place since January,” he said.

“The company is one of the country’s largest manufacturers of commercial vehicle bodies but has struggled recently from a lack of orders as a direct result of the recession.

“Employees recognise the valiant efforts of the directors in a bid to sustain the company but ultimately the general lack of business within the commercial vehicle industry caused its demise.” The JCP website says the firm has been going since 1921. The firm makes body parts for leading truck manufacturers.

Scores of jobs are at risk at nearby vehicle components maker, GKN Driveline, in Middlemore Lane, where 272 people are employed, after the company revealed plans to close production.

Aldridge firm Bolton Brass, in Middlemore Lane, made 129 redundant at the end of 2008, while delivery company Amtrak, in Northgate Way, shut with the loss of 230 jobs last August.