Staff devastated after losing their jobs at historic Wolverhampton firm
Staff at an historic Wolverhampton firm which is ending production after more than 150 years have spoken of their devastation at losing their jobs.
Production at Turner Powertrain Systems in Dunstall is ending this week with around 120 people leaving the firm at the same time. Two hundred redundancies have been made in total.
Staff said the closure had been planned for two years and that it had been a 'sad and devastating time' for all employees.
And they slammed bosses for allegedly keeping them in the dark about wielding the axe and what has been happening ever since.
The firm is run by Caterpillar and people are being redundant as part of the company's decision to move operations to India, France and the United States.
The transmissions manufacturer dates back to 1859 but last September it was announced that around 200 jobs would go.
And employees hit out at the treatment of staff since the move became public.
They said: "Since the announcement the management have not had the decency to speak to the workforce with any explanation at all.
"They've prevented volunteers from leaving and done their upmost to antagonise everyone since the start of the announcement.
"It has been a really sad and devastating time for all employees and their families and all the company has cared about is utilising our skills for us to help train others to do our jobs in India.
"If it wasn't for one person in HR and the hard work done by onsite reps then nothing would have been to do assist the workers in the transition from full-time work to unemployment."
Turner Powertrain was bought by Caterpillar in 1996.
The redundancies were labelled a 'disgrace' by union bosses who claimed they were misled about the scale of the cuts.
Another employee added: "This is such a sad closure and the way employees were mistreated was terrible."
There are currently 167 people, both permanent and agency staff, working at Turner Powertrain.
Another 40 engineering staff not being made redundant will be moved to Caterpillar firms in Shrewsbury and Stafford.
Caterpillar spokesman Erik de Leye last week thanked staff for remaining 'focused on supporting our customers during this difficult period of time'.
He added: "We have worked with our employees to support them in their career and employment transition."
Caterpillar declined to comment on the employee accusations.
