REDDITCH-based engineering giant GKN is to axe more than 50 jobs from its corporate offices in Ipsley.

The move follows the de-merger of its industrial services wing which has joined up with Australian logistics company Brambles.

The automotive and aeronautical component manufacturer also saw a sharp dip in profits of 24 per cent between January and June, mainly due to a slump in the US car market.

A spokesman said jobs affected could include those in human resources, administration, communications and others but staff would know more by September.