North-east plumbing manufacturer jobs 'at risk'

The owners of a plumbing and heating parts manufacturer have said they are doing everything possible to "mitigate the effect" of plans to close down one of its factories in the north-east.

Wavin is currently considering closing its site at Brandon, which is near to Durham City, the Northern Echo reports.

If this happens, 96 employees could end up without a job. However, the firm, which specialises in the production of flexible piping used in the plumbing sector, has already been making moves to reassure all personnel involved that it will do all it can to safeguard the roles.

One possibility is that the individuals affected could be moved to a sister plant located at Meadowfield Industrial Estate in Doncaster, however this would mean staff would potentially have to move to another part of the country if they wanted to keep their jobs.

Wavin's south-west Europe managing director Brent Nicholls said: "We very much regret the impact the closure would have on our employees and their families at Brandon."

He added that the plans aren't a reflection of the performance of employees based at the plant, noting they have "worked hard and demonstrated considerable commitment".

In addition to the possibility of moving staff to Doncaster, bosses have revealed they are planning to expand another base in Wiltshire.

However, at the moment, they are keen to emphasise that no decision has been made and they are in the process of consulting with workers to ensure that whatever happens, everything is done to either relocate them in the business or help them obtain posts elsewhere.

It is believed production at the Brandon site will stop by summer 2016, with levels of work gradually winding down and being moved away from the region.

Back to Blog