Company to leave town

One of Kidderminster's largest employers is to move out of the town and relocate more than 10 miles away - sparking anger among some workers.

Bosses at Enpure Ltd, in Birmingham Road, plan to move the operation to the Woodgate Valley Business Park, near Quinton, in the New Year. An increase in orders has caused the move and more jobs are set to be created.

But the scheme has left some workers angry with many saying they do not have transport to get to the new premises.

And those with transport fear it will be an added expense for them as there are no facilities near to the new premises which means they will have to drive everywhere.

Bosses from the firm today said they were looking into measures to help staff.

The firm, formerly Purac Ltd, was the subject of a £19.1 million management buyout last year which led to the creation of an extra 40 jobs, bringing the total workforce to 265.

A boost in orders for the specialist water and waste engineering company has forced bosses to relocate as it will allow them to take on 40 or 50 additional staff in the next six months.

But one worker, who did not wish to be named, said the move would create hardship for existing staff.

"Some workers have no transport and walk to work, no help has been offered to these people," he said.

Managing director Malcolm Wilkinson said there was no alternative as the firm had simply outgrown its current premises.

"There will be some employees who are not happy with the move but we don't want anyone to leave the business," he said.

"We are looking at ways to help employees with the move."

"We are expanding and are one of the largest employers in the area. During the next six months another 40 to 50 jobs are expected to be created."

By Sue Smith