Floor tile and rigid LVT manufacturer Johnson Tiles is to end UK production following a mbo.
The 123-year old company has launched a consultation with staff over closing its Stoke-on-Trent factory, with the loss of 105 jobs, saying UK tile manufacturing is ‘unsustainable’.
Stephen Dixon, Johnson Tiles md; Rich Kelsall, commercial director and Jason Bridges, procurement director are leading the mbo from parent Norcros.
‘We are, of course, making this announcement with very mixed feelings, acutely aware of what this means for our colleagues and what it says about UK manufacturing as a whole. It is with a heavy heart that we are looking to stop production at the Stoke plant but the cost of making tiles in this country – despite ongoing investment – has become increasingly unsustainable,’ says Dixon.
‘We have a great sourcing business and, together with our strong design and customer service capabilities, we are well placed for the future. This deal secures Johnson Tiles position as a leading UK designer and supplier of tiles, as well as ensuring we remain a significant employer in the Staffordshire region.’
