Birmingham gas and electric fire maker Valor Fires is closing after over 120 years – ending a Midland manufacturing story dating back to the Victorian era.
Former owner BDR Thermea is pulling the plug on the site of the renowned Erdington firm and production is transferring to Ireland.
The closure of the Wood Lane site marks another death knell for a long-established city manufacturer following the loss of MG Rover, LDV, HP Sauce, Alstom and others in recent years.
Manager Clint Evans said: “This will bring to an end 122 years of manufacturing under the Valor brand in Birmingham.
"Last year BDR Thermea decided to sell the Valor Fires business to Glenn Dimplex Group, which in turn decided to transfer the UK manufacturing operations from our recognised company roots in Wood Lane to its facility in Dunleer, southern Ireland.
“The Wood Lane site we are based on is occupied on a long-term rental arrangement by BDR Thermea from the landlord.
"Under the current transfer agreement, BDR Thermea has instructed Glen Dimplex to vacate the Wood Lane site in entirety by the end of May. As it stands, any existing Valor employees will be made redundant as of Friday, May 25.”
The closure of the Wood Lane site comes more than 10 years after a previous shut down threat was staved off following a £2 million emergency investment programme by owners Baxi Group.
Mr Evans said the forthcoming closure had been marked by a special reunion party last Saturday at the Jaguar Sports and Social Club in Castle Vale, attended by 370 employees and guests.
