REDDITCH'S Conservative Parliamentary spokesman has voiced concerns over a company closure.

Karen Lumley said many Redditch families would be counting the cost of a decision to close Moons Moat-based Hydro Aluminium Extrusion UK Ltd - with the loss of about 40 jobs.

"This will be another blow to manufacturing industry in Redditch and I hope these employees will be able to find jobs elsewhere as we have seen nationally the number of people who are out of work rising," said Mrs Lumley.

The company announced plans to close the aluminium plant last Wednesday.

"This Government needs to take notice of the fact that in the West Midlands we are in great danger of losing our manufacturing base and something needs to be done about it," added Mrs Lumley.

The firm, which also owns plants in Bedwas in South Wales, Birtley in County Durham, and Gloucester, hopes the plans will help achieve required profit levels.

Managing director Hartwin Hagen said: "Our market forecasts indicate we do not expect the total volumes supplied by UK extrusion mills to increase in the coming years. In fact, we anticipate even further competition to the domestic supply from countries with much lower manufacturing costs.

"We realise how difficult these proposed closures will be for those employees at risk and their families but by carrying out these actions, we believe we can achieve the profit levels required to provide a sustainable platform for the future."

The company has started a 30-day consultation period with union and employees representatives.