Village firm may move out

The future of a Norton Canes business is in doubt after it emerged it could be transferring operations to Kent.

Durapipe UK, which has three sites in the village on Walsall Road, is consulting its workforce on the plan.

The move to Lenham could possibly take place during 2010 but Durapipe, a subsidiary of the Aliaxis Group, which employs 15,000 people worldwide, has refused to answer detailed questions about the plan.

Managing director Martin Gisborne has also refused to disclose how many of the company's workers could be at risk but it is believed the company has more than 100 staff working in the village.

The relocation is believed to be part of parent company Aliaxis's drive to improve efficiency and cut costs during the recession.

The moves start this spring with the relocation of Hunter Plastics's injection moulding and assembly operations from Woolwich, East London to Lenham.

It is believed Durapipe's logistics and manufacturing operations currently based on two sites on Walsall Road, in Norton Canes, will follow.

The whole programme will be finished by late 2010.

A statement released said: "Durapipe UK is currently consulting with employees regarding a possible move of some of its operation from Cannock to Lenham in Kent during 2010.

Parish Councillor Dave Clarke said the news was a worry for the village and the workers at Durapipe.

He said: "This is very serious. You can get blase about company's closing but these are people's lives that are affected."