'When this goes that's it in Oldbury': Redundancies on the way at historic manufacturer

A 30-day consultation is now taking place at BIP, based in Tat Bank Road, in Oldbury.

BIP was founded in 1894 and supplies thermoset plastics and chemicals to customers around the world.

Russell Farrington, a regional officer for the GMB Union, said: "There will be a number of redundancies. We are looking at a 30-day consultation period with the trade union.

"This is in the early stages. I believe it (the process) started on Tuesday."

Former employee John Wall, aged 65, said the firm used to employ around 500 to 600 hundred people.

Mr Wall, who was a process worker and was employed there for more than 35 years, said: "It is a well known place. When this goes that is it in Oldbury.

"There used to be big firms but it has got smaller now.

"BIP stands for British Industrial Plastics. I had a phone call (about the redundancies) and took the dog a walk and went up there.

"I spoke some managers I knew and they confirmed it to me. They said they are closing the foundry. They had a meeting on Tuesday.

"It was one of the major players in making moulding powder and resins. I left two years ago where I was made redundant but I only had one year left."

The firm was unavailable for comment.

Oldbury councillor Susan Downing said: "I am sad to hear about the redundancies. It has been a long standing company.

"The firm has been there for quite a few years.

"I am just hoping they can resolve it amicably to see if they can find out if there is any other way than having redundancies.

"Jobs are hard to come by in the West Midlands."