KIDDERMINSTER jobs have been saved after an automotive supplier stepped in to buy an aluminium parts factory.

Back in May, Liberty Steel started a formal sale process for Aluminium Technologies, which has a site off Stourport Road with 55 employees.

Now, Evtec will take over Liberty Aluminium Technologies (LAT) plants based in Kidderminster and Coventry, saving more than 170 jobs.

This follows an intervention by Jaguar Land Rover, with the sites being a key part of the company's supply chain.

Earlier this year, worries were sparked about Liberty’s future and that of its 5,000 UK staff following the collapse of Greensill Capital.

When the financing company went into administration, its lawyers revealed that it had around five billion dollars (£3.5 billion) of exposure to Liberty’s parent company GFG Alliance.

Despite two plants now being saved, a site in Witham, Essex, is set to be closed down.

Kidderminster Shuttle: Liberty Aluminium Technologies plant in Kidderminster. Photo: Google Maps Liberty Aluminium Technologies plant in Kidderminster. Photo: Google Maps

A GFG Alliance spokesperson said: “Liberty Aluminium Technologies has been under significant commercial pressure in recent years as a result of structural changes to the automotive sector which have created very challenging conditions for customers, particularly OEMs.

“After a strategic review of options GFG Alliance is to restructure LAT and divest it to Evtec Aluminium Ltd.

"The transaction will secure the future of more than 170 jobs and ensure that the Coventry and Kidderminster plants continue to supply LAT’s solid long-term customer base.

"However, as a result of the restructuring, we regretfully announce that LAT’s plant in Witham will close, and sadly this may result in approximately 64 people being made redundant.

"As we enter a period of consultation at Witham we would like to thank all the staff for their hard work in consistently delivering quality products and services to their clients during a period of uncertainty.”