A 50-TONNE crane has begun the long journey from the home of a former Kidderminster forging firm to the Middle East.
The 95ft monobox crane was taken from Folkes Forge, a 300-year-old firm which closed two years ago, to be shipped to a buyer in Dubai by Richard Hoare Plant and Machinery. Richard Hoare with the crane which set off from Kidderminster bound for the Middle East.
The firm, based at Stourport's Mill Road Industrial Estate, specialises in buying and selling heavy duty forging and metal-cutting equipment - but has seen a downturn in the home market and increase in exports in recent years.
The operation to dismantle and load the crane took several weeks and is expected to take more than a month on its overland journey to Dubai.
Mr Hoare said: "It's another piece of kit that leaves the shores of Britain. It's a shame but that's the way it's going."
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