About 50 jobs are at risk at a Colne Valley company following its takeover by a German firm.
Workers at Milnsbridge-based lubricants manufacturer Batoyle Freedom Group (BFG) were told that the company had been sold to The Fuchs Group and their jobs are likely to transfer to its UK subsidiary, Fuchs Lubricants (UK) Ltd, based at Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent.
Bosses have launched a 90-day consultation period with employees, who were left stunned by the news.
A caller to the Examiner yesterday said: “They called all the staff into the canteen this morning to tell them the firm had been taken over by a German company.
“They already have premises in the UK and will be transferring the work from Huddersfield to Stoke.
“It means there is a 90-day notice on the jobs of all production and office staff.
“It is very sad. The company has a great reputation as an independent oil company and exports all over the world.
“Many of the people there have worked there for many years”
In a statement, the new owners said business would continue at the Milnsbridge site for a “transitional period” and then activities may be transferred fully to the Fuchs plant in Stoke-on-Trent.
Richard Halhead, Fuchs UK managing director said: “This acquisition strengthens the position of our UK business in all sectors. In particular it enables the glass technology, for which BFG is world renowned, to be developed through the Fuchs global footprint.”
In the statement, Don Brett, Batoyle chairman, said: “We are confident that the sale to Fuchs will ensure the value we have built in the business will be maintained and extended by the speciality approach of the Fuchs Group.”
A spokeswoman for Fuchs UK said she was unable to add th the statement yesterday or confirm the number of jobs affected.
Colne Valley Conservative MP Jason McCartney said he would be contacting Batoyle directors this week to get clarification of the plans and the implications for the Milnsbridge site.
Batoyle, founded in 1875 and one of the largest independent lubricant manufacturers in the UK, produces lubricants for use in the glass, industrial, textile and automotive sectors. Its head office in based at Colne Vale Road in Milnsbridge while it has sales administration, warehousing and distribution depots across the UK.
It exports to more than 50 countries through a network of agents and distributors and has a sales centre in Italy to support its European market.
The Fuchs Group, which dates back to 1931, lays claim to be the world’s largest independent lubricant manufacturer, supplying market sectors including automotive, industrial and pharmaceuticals.
Fuchs is a subsidiary of Dax-listed Fuchs Petrolub SE based in Mannheim, Germany.
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