Kiln closure 'a body blow' as 100 jobs put at risk

Armitage Shanks could lose one of its tunnel kilns and about 100 workers

The planned closure of a kiln at a ceramics factory and the potential loss of about 100 jobs has come as a "body blow" to workers, a union has said.

Chris Hoofe, of GMB, said staff were shocked at the announcement to close one of Armitage Shanks's tunnel kilns - a large continuous firing kiln through which products are transported on conveyors – in Rugeley, Staffordshire.

It was the latest setback in the county's ceramics industry, which has seen the collapse of Stoke-on-Trent firms Royal Stafford and Heraldic Pottery in 2025.

The Villeroy & Boch Group, which owns Armitage Shanks, said it was a "difficult decision" taken as part of a wider strategic realignment of its operations.

Mr Hoofe told BBC Radio Stoke: "This is a body blow to everybody working at Armitage Shanks."

He said 85 of the 100 potential redundancies were on the manufacturing side of the business, and the firm would also be reducing its product range.

"The high cost of energy makes decisions like this all the easier for businesses," he added.

He said he spoke to someone at the site and they told him it had come as a "bolt from the blue" for the staff there.

Lichfield MP Dave Robertson said he was concerned about workers' livelihoods

Dave Robertson, Labour MP for Lichfield, said he was concerned about the potential impact on the people who worked at the site.

"Ceramics production in Armitage Shanks is not just livelihoods," he added, "it's part of the heritage of our area."

He said it would "undoubtedly" be a difficult time for anyone involved, and he would work with the company and trade unions to safeguard ceramics production at Armitage.

Cannock Chase MP Josh Newbury, Labour, described it as "worrying" news and echoed previous comments from the GMB union, which said it would be "bad for business and bad for Staffordshire".

"Alongside my three Stoke-on-Trent colleagues, I will continue to advocate for a sector deal from the government for our ceramics industry," he added.

Lisa Whitfield, UK managing director of Villeroy & Boch Group, said it was an "incredibly difficult" announcement to make

Armitage Shanks was founded in 1817 and specialises in providing ceramics, fittings and other products to non-residential markets, including to the NHS and private hospitals.

Villeroy & Boch Group confirmed the unions and employee representatives would be consulted on the planned closure of the kiln over a minimum 45-day period.

"This is an incredibly difficult announcement to make," said UK managing director Lisa Whitfield.

"We recognise the impact this proposal will have on our employees, their families and the community, and we are grateful for the dedication and hard work of our site manufacturing team."