One of the Midlands' oldest car component firms has been placed into administration.

KPMG has been appointed administrators for Clancey Ltd and Clancey Holdings in Halesowen, which has been producing components for some of the world's leading car manufacturers for more than 60 years.

The firm, which employs around 200 people, has struggled in recent years along with many other component firms following the downturn in motor manufacturing in the region.

Administrator Mark Orton said: "We are currently in the process of stabilising the business and talking to customers and suppliers to inform them of the situation. Our intention is that production will continue in the medium term whilst we undertake the process of finding a buyer."

Mr Orton added: "What we have here is a company with a skilled workforce producing high precision components products for a strong customer base. Clancey's has the ability to produce camshafts and other associated precision components, making it a key supplier for many household names in the automotive industry. I am therefore optimistic that we will be able to find a purchaser."

A letter is being sent to employees, although production will resume when the workforce return from the summer break next Monday.