Jobs hope in kit car takeover

The owners of Kingswinford-based Westfield Sports Cars have been on the takeover trail, buying up a smaller Coventry kit car company. And it could mean more jobs for the Black Country.

Westfield hopes to expand its range of British-built performance cars.

It's owner, Potenza Sports Cars, has bought GTM Sports Cars for an undisclosed amount and will move production of its Spyder Convertible and Libra GT models to the company's factory on the Gibbons Industrial Estate in Dudley Road, Kingswinford.

Potenza says expanding Westfield's range will attract new customers and help secure the jobs of the firm's 41-strong workforce. As new models are developed, however, it could mean more jobs for local people.

Coventry-based GTM is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. Like Westfield, the company makes niche vehicles both as finished cars and self-assembly kits.

David Keene the current owner of GTM will become a shareholder in Potenza Sports Cars and joins the board as a non-executive director.

Paul Faithfull, director of technology & quality for Potenza Sports Cars, will also become managing director of GTM.

Mr Faithfull said the firm will be able to develop the existing product range and "realise new products based on the Ballisa GT and 40TR concept cars."