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

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

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

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

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 said: "I am naturally sad this decision has had to be taken and I would thank all employees for their hard work and commitment over the years."

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

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