Factory to close after 34 years

2:36pm Friday 29th August 2008

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MORE than 40 people will lose their jobs as a factory in Westbury prepares to close after 34 years in the town due to the faltering housing market.

H&H Celcon building block manufacturers, which supplies products to construction firms such as Barratt Homes and George Wimpey, is due to close its factory in the West Wilts Trading Estate on October 1.

Since March the plant has only been working a three-day week as the company tried to reduce costs during the difficult economic period, which was again highlighted this week with the news that Britian's largest construction company, Taylor Wimpey, reported a loss of £1.54bn from January to June.

Members of staff at the Westbury site were informed on August 14 that the factory is due to close - a move that will see 48 people lose their jobs.

H&H Celcon, who employ 250 people in the UK and have factories in Yorkshire and Kent, opened their factory near Westbury in 1974 and some of the workers, such as works manager Paul Bevon have worked there for more than 30 years.

Mr Bevon, who joined the factory in July 1975, said: "As we all know in this economic climate there is a squeeze on mortgage finance and therefore construction companies can't afford to build new homes and consequently we are not selling enough of our supplies.

"I'm disappointed with the decision because having spent so long with the company you think you will reach retirement gracefully but that hasn't been the case unfortunately.

"But it's the younger members of the workforce who will suffer - those with young families to support - it's going to be difficult for them to find new jobs."

Stuart Brittle, H&H Celcon UK's deputy managing director, said the excess capacity equivalent to the output of one factory. "This decision has not been taken lightly, and it is regrettable that there will be redundancies," he said.

"However, in view of the current housing market and with no indication that activity will recover in the short to medium turn, these difficult measures are necessary in order to secure the long-term well-being of the company as a whole.

"We are currently in consultation with those affected and the company is making every effort to help employees affected by this action to secure alternative employment."