200 jobs to go at historic Wolverhampton firm

The Caterpillar-run Turner Powertrain Systems broke the news to staff yesterday before sending them home. The move has been labelled a 'disgrace' by union bosses who claim they were misled about the scale of the cuts.

The works, in Racecourse Road, date back to 1859 and are park of Caterpillar's advanced components and systems division. In total 289 people are employed there and Caterpillar confirmed 203 posts are at risk.

A 45-day consultation about the job cuts begins on Monday. Work will go instead to India, France and the United States.

Gerard Coyne, regional secretary for Unite, said it was a 'bitter blow'.

He added: "We've had assurances that 30 per cent of the workforce were to go by March 2015.

"They've mistreated a loyal workforce. It's an absolute disgrace."

Turner Powertrain was bought by Caterpillar in 1996. Union chiefs will hold talks with the company to try to limit job losses.

Mr Coyne added: "While we understand the site will not be completely closed, the proposal to send the Wolverhampton transmissions work abroad is a blow to the manufacturing base in the West Midlands and underlines the need for the government to develop a coherent strategy for manufacturing in the UK."

Product development, sales and marketing, warranty and some other supporting functions in a reduced capacity are expected to remain at Wolverhampton

Caterpillar spokesman Erik De Leye confirmed 203 posts were at risk adding: "Due to decreasing production volumes at Wolverhampton, it will be difficult to have a sustainable business and, considering the available capacity in other facilities, it will be more cost-effective to assemble there.

"As long as the collective consultation is in process, no decisions and no redundancies will be made and all statements about the future are proposed intentions.

"We know this is difficult for employees, but the company has to take steps to position the business for long-term success."