ENGINEERING giant Joy Mining has completed its factory consolidation in Worcester, the company has announced.

The firm, an arm of Harnischfeger Industries, announced the restructuring in January.

Since then, it has transferred equipment, technology and expertise to enable all British equipment manufacture to be completed at its Bromyard Road factory.

The reorganisation is now complete and the first Worcester-made roof supports have been shipped out to a customer in America.

"Accomplishing the manufacture of both roof supports and armoured face conveyers at Worcester has entailed major reorganisation of the existing factory as well as the reopening and total refurbishment of the North Works, which have been closed for several years," said David Johnson, managing director.

"We're very pleased and proud of the new Worcester facility which we believe puts the company in the best possible position to meet the future needs and demands of the coal industry."

Worcester Mayor, Councillor Mary Drinkwater, is due to open the new factory on Thursday, September 14.