MORE than 100 people are set to lose their jobs after a historic Redditch firm, which can be traced back to 1730, announced a devastating proposal to shut its doors and move to Puerto Rico in North America.

Aspen Medical, which produces speciality surgical products such as needles and surgical blades and scalpels, made the controversial announcement to shocked employees last week.

The Advertiser obtained a copy of a confidential letter sent to staff detailing the planned closure which says that the company is proposing to cease production at its dedicated manufacturing facility and head office in Moons Moat Industrial Estate in favour of a move to Las Piedras in Puerto Rico.

It also asks for employee representatives to come forward to consult on the move.

One employee, who wished to remain anonymous, told the Advertiser that the news was a shock and major blow.

"The employees are shocked and angered at the company's decision to do this," they said.

"This is despite the company being very profitable and extremely buoyant."

The Redditch locality is rich in needlemaking history and the origins of Aspen Medical can be dated back to Henry Millward & Sons in 1730 and William Hall & Co in 1842.

Since this time there have been a number of mergers and acquisitions that have changed the face of the company, the most recent being in July 2012, when global medical technology company Hill-Rom Holdings completed the purchase of Aspen Surgical Products.

Redditch MP Karen Lumley said: "I'm extremely disappointed that Aspen Medical has decided to relocate."

She has requested a meeting with the chief executive of the company and the Local Enterprise Partnership to see if there is anything that can be done to help keep the firm in Redditch.

Leader of Redditch Council Bill Hartnett said: "This is very disappointing news for the staff and our borough. But, through North Worcestershire Economic Development and Regeneration we will work with partner agencies to facilitate support for affected workers so that we can get them back into employment or training.”

A spokesman from Hill-Rom said: "Over the past three years, the number of Hill-Rom manufacturing sites and other facilities has grown significantly due to several acquisitions. As a result, we have excess capacity and our manufacturing footprint is out of proportion to the size of our company.

"The proposal is subject to consultation with local employee representatives and we will be holding those discussions over the next several weeks."

The spokesman added: "If implemented, the proposal to close the Redditch facility would result in the relocation of wound care operations to a larger Hill-Rom facility in Las Piedras, Puerto Rico, and augmenting production of needles, ophthalmics and suture product lines with a third-party supplier."