STAFF at one of Kidderminster’s last remaining carpet manufacturers are to lose their jobs after a month-long consultation period ended today (February 11).

Bosses at Brintons Carpets, in Stourport Road, announced on Friday, January 8, they were looking to cut their workforce by up to 65 employees at the Kidderminster site as part of a proposed restructure.

The decision was being taken as the company looked to remain "competitive" in the market and safeguard its existing operation.

As part of the restructure the company entered a consultation period with staff to reduce the headcount by seeking opportunities for voluntary redundancy as well as offering new positions at the Telford plant.

The company has already had more than 40 applications for voluntary redundancy.

Rob Greenfield, group manufacturing and logistics director, said: “We have been through a consultation period to restructure our production processes at our Kidderminster site.

“The restructure includes newer and more modern methods of production to ensure Brintons maintains and strengthens its position as one of the world’s leading suppliers of bespoke carpets, bringing woven carpet manufacturing into the 21st century.

“As part of this, we are reducing our headcount by up to 65 employees at our Kidderminster site.

“Where possible, throughout the consultation period, we have sought opportunities for voluntary redundancy and have already had more than 40 applications from staff.

“We are now going through this process, looking at consolidated job roles and also opportunities for new positions at our Telford plant.”

In January, the Shuttle revealed the news of the restructure came just days before accounts revealed the company had increased its operating profit by £8 million by September 2015 compared to the same period the previous year – a success the company put down to increased revenues and a reduction in overheads and manufacturing costs.

Brintons has been manufacturing carpets in Kidderminster since 1783.

When the news of the proposed restructure was announced last month, Wyre Forest MP, Mark Garnier, told the Shuttle the announcement was sad news for the district and he hoped the decision would ensure no further redundancies within the company in the future, while the leader of Wyre Forest District Council, Marcus Hart, said it was unwelcome news. 

Mr Garnier said: “Any reductions in jobs in Wyre Forest - especially from one of our oldest businesses - is always a matter of deep regret and sadness.

“However, any business must react sensibly to whatever trading conditions are prevalent at the time. This consultation is ongoing and, of course, things can change I hope that redundancies are predominantly voluntary.

“What can be of some comfort is that employment conditions in Wyre Forest have improved significantly over the last few years with the unemployment rate at just 1.7 per cent of the population.

“Skilled workers are in demand and so I hope that those losing their jobs will find work quickly. For those who don’t, it is important that they receive training and support to make sure they can find work.

“In the meantime, I hope that decisions made by Brintons management mean that the company will be on a firm financial basis that ensures no more redundancies.”

Councillor Hart added: “I am exceptionally sorry that Brintons are looking to further reduce their workforce.

“It is always unwelcome news when local companies shed jobs."