Union leaders and the wider joinery industry have expressed devastation and sadness after the UK’s largest bespoke doorset producer Leaderflush Shapland revealed plans to close its Barnstaple door factory with the potential loss of nearly 100 jobs.
The company plans to transfer production operations to its Nottingham main site in a process expected to take about six months. Leaderflush is also believed to have sold part of the Anchorwood Bank site to Asda.
Union leaders at the plant in Barnstaple, which has been in operation for more than 100 years, say they are “devastated” by the news.
“It’s sad news, and devastating for an area that was once such a centre of joinery manufacture,” said British Woodworking Federation chief executive Richard Lambert. “The fact that a market leader like Leaderflush feels compelled to make this move shows the pressure the industry is under at the moment.
“We can only hope that the chancellor can offer some stimulus to the construction sector in next week’s budget.”
“Obviously with my past connection I was sad to learn of the closure,” said Roy Wakeman, former Leaderflush CEO. “In my time I came to really appreciate the skills and dedication of the workforce in Barnstaple in the art of fine joinery and as applied to the need for volume products. Clearly this recession has bitten hard and affected all of us in the industry and I can also see the need therefore for prudence and future planning of resource. I am sure everyone involved will do their damndest to help each other in these difficult times for North Devon.”
A statement from Leaderflush Shapland said it was with “considerable regret” that it was proposing the end of manufacturing at Barnstaple.
“We can confirm the sales, commercial and specialist support functions [design] are not affected and will be retained in the Barnstaple area,” a spokesperson said.
“Clearly this is an extremely sensitive and emotional time for all involved and the management team recognises the need and urgency for clarity.”
The closure will take place over the coming six months.
“As the second biggest employer that has been in the town for over 100 years this is devastating for the people of Barnstable,” said Kevin Norman, of union GMB. “We lost 68 jobs 12 months ago in the hope of saving the rest of the workforce but it seems that will not be the case now.”
Leaderflush, part of the SIG Group, also made more than 100 workers redundant in 2009.
