A BROMYARD manufacturing firm is to lay-off up to 30 of its 210 staff when it relocates to a new Worcester site next year.

Derek Sweeney, managing director of Hydro Automotive Structures, said the move from its current base at Bromyard Industrial Estate would enable the car parts suppliers to remain competitive, despite changes in market conditions.

He said: "Recent volume reductions from Lotus has made it even more important to act to safeguard our long-term survival. Having reviewed our options we have decided to transfer our business into the Worcester site. Our intention is to have completed all moves by the third quarter of 2002 at the latest."

The move will mean production takes place under one roof, with the present split sites becoming costly and difficult to manage.

Herefordshire councillor Richard James said the move was bad news for Bromyard.

He said: "I'll be getting in contact with Hydro to find out what we can do to keep them here and whether they're aware of the new development at Bromyard Industrial Estate."