This is the three ton hydraulic press worth thousands of pounds that was stolen from a firm in Walsall.

The green and yellow machine was stolen from a secure yard at Tipper Engineering in Walsall Wood.

Bosses say it was bought just weeks ago so the firm could expand the range of products it offers.

The firm in Hall Lane, which makes industrial fasteners for the petrochemical and gas industries, was bought by Aldridge-based Mellish Engineering Services about a year ago.

Bosses plan to transfer the 65 employees from both companies to a unit in Middlemore Lane, Aldridge, in March and say the move could create 20 jobs.

Peter Rattenberry, chairman of Mellish Engineering Services which manufactures special fasteners said the hydraulic press was being kept in storage ahead of its installation.

“We are trying to grow the business and have helped to improve the employment situation in the area over the years, yet we have to put up with these lowlives,” the 67-year-old said.

“The theft of metal has become an epidemic in this county. It is diabolical.

“This is a press we bought to enable us to make bigger fasteners. It had been there for several weeks behind 12ft iron gates which were padlocked.” It is believed thieves struck between midday last Saturday and 8am on Monday.

The company is offering a reward for information leading to the safe return of the machinery. Anyone with information should contact police on 0345 113 5000.