AN historic move has seen an engineering firm leave for pastures new - and cleared the way for the demolition of the former Thomas Locker factory.

Rotex Europe has completed its transition from the Church Street site to new purpose-built premises at Whitehouse Vale industrial estate, near Preston Brook.

Managing director Martin Hawley said the new premises would further expansion plans, with extra warehousing space and a dedicated research and development facility.

The new centre will also house the sales and servicing departments for the Belgium-based screening and conveying equipment builder.

Land once occupied by Locker's will now be home to a 158-home estate and the regional base for developers Countrywide Properties.