Pressings and metal fabricator Birmingham Stopper has continued its expansion programme with the acquisition of a Black Country rival from the administrators.

Birmingham Stopper, which is based in Hockley, has paid an undisclosed sum for the trade and assets of Hickton Pressings, from Halesowen. All 30 jobs at Hickton have now been saved.

Roger Varley, Stopper's managing director, said Hickton had been acquired because it complemented the existing Birmingham Stopper business.

He said: "Hickton has an attractive and complimentary customer base which, together with its 30 employees, the factory and certain of its plant, makes an excellent fit with Stopper's business.

"Hickton's financial downfall was unfortunately due to it being over reliant on debt which it could not service.

"The deal will enable us to get the Hickton business back to prosperity and the combined businesses will have a turnover of more than £10 million with over 150 employees.

"Although we have much automotive business, neither we nor Hickton has any involvement with the sad demise of MG Rover."

Stopper is owned entirely by its management and began recent expansion with the purchase of HAC ( Birmingham) last year.

Mr Varley said Stopper would continue to look for further acquisitions, providing they complemented the existing business.

He said: "The HAC acquisition has been very successful for us and we will look hard at companies which have the right fit for us."