UP to 40 jobs at a radiator manufacturing firm look set to go following the announcement Rettig Heating is planning to close its Hartlebury plant.

The firm, which has been at the Hartlebury Trading Estate for more than 11 years, is to relocate its operation to Birtley in County Durham.

Dick Horsfall, Rettig's UK managing director, said the decision to transfer its Hartlebury operation would result in relocation or redundancy for employees.

Retting Heating Limited is part of the Finnish-owned Rettig Group which became Europe's largest central heating manufacturer last year, with the buyout of firms from Blue Circle.

Mr Horsfall said the decision to merge distribution activities of the Rettig and Blue Circle brands had led to a review of the size and location of its warehousing operations in the UK.

It became clear the Birtley site provided the size and scope necessary to meet the firm's immediate and longer-term market requirements, he added.

"I'm naturally sad this decision has had to be taken and I would thank all employees for their hard work and commitment over the years," Mr Horsfall said.

Finance director Alan Green added the site was expected to close in June next year.

He said the firm was in talks with employees at the plant but there was no indication yet how many might opt for relocation in the north of England.