End of era for foundry

Iron was being poured for the last time today at doomed Black Country firm Clancey after more than 40 years.

The mood was sombre at the Saltbrooks Road car parts plant in Cradley as yet another chapter in the region's once proud manufacturing industry came to an end.

The Express & Star revealed more than 200 workers at the site would lose their jobs last month, after the firm fell into administration in August.

Administrators said potential buyers had been put off by the huge amount of cash needed to modernise the plant.

Productions manager at Clancey, Rod White, has been with the company for 43 years and said it was a sad day for staff.

"I think most of us can't believe what's gone on really, because we're still so busy," he said.

"We're pouring three more tons this morning and then it's over. Obviously the mood is fairly low.

"There's very little work around in the foundry industry at the moment, which is a shame because we have so many highly skilled workers here.

"We've been here for more than half a century, so it's all quite sombre at the plant.

"It's the manufacturing industry in this country generally.

"The companies that take our parts are now looking to firms in China, India and Brazil.

"Things aren't looking bright for foundries here because of the difference in labour costs, as well as increased energy prices and environmental concerns."

But Mr White, aged 62, said there was some good news among staff.

"A few of the workers here have found work elsewhere, so there is some light at the end of the tunnel," he said.

"But to be honest, they are in the minority, so it won't be the best Christmas for many."

He said that after the last castings were made today, the machines would be switched off for the final time on December 18.

G Clancey was originally founded in West Bromwich in 1923, opening up at Belle Vale in the 1940s before moving to the Saltbrook Road site in 1963.

In the past decade, the workforce had been slashed from a total of more than 500.