Proposed kiln closure puts 100 jobs at risk

The Armitage Shanks site in Rugeley, Staffordshire, could lose one of its kilns

Plans to close a large kiln at a ceramics factory have been announced, potentially impacting about 100 workers.

Ideal Standard's Armitage Shanks site in Rugeley, Staffordshire, would lose one of its three kilns under the proposal put forward by owner The Villeroy & Boch Group.

The firm said it was part of a strategic realignment to "optimise operations, streamline capacity and enhance long-term business competitiveness and growth".

Union GMB said the closure of the tunnel kiln - a large continuous firing kiln through which products are transported on conveyors - was bad for business and Staffordshire.

The proposal was part of a wider evaluation of The Villeroy & Boch Group's global manufacturing footprint, the firm said.

"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."

'Bad for business'

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 plans over a minimum 45-day period.

Justine Jones, GMB organiser, said: "This closure is bad for business and bad for Staffordshire.

"We are on the verge of a house building revolution in this country, demand for UK manufactured sanitary goods could be at record highs."

She said the county's ceramics firms were "feeling the pinch of sky-high energy costs", and added: "Our union will not stand by and let workers pay the price."

The proposed kiln closure is the latest blow to the county's ceramics industry, following the collapse of pottery firms Royal Stafford and Heraldic Pottery earlier this year.

Moorcroft also announced its intention to enter liquidation but was later bought by the founder's grandson.