Pilkington is to close its sales office in Liverpool, close to the company“s headquarters in St Helens, north-west England. Employees and union officials at the branch were informed on 7 July 2006 of…
Pilkington is to close its sales office in Liverpool, close to the company“s headquarters in St Helens, north-west England. Employees and union officials at the branch were informed on 7 July 2006 of the plan to close the site in September 2006 with the loss of 19 jobs. Pilkington said it would take all reasonable steps to mitigate the effect of the closure, including seeking alternative employment opportunities and outplacement support. David Pinder, managing director building products UK, said: “Following a recent business review and as a result of declining volumes and other difficult trading conditions, it was felt that there was no alternative to this decision. Many of Liverpool“s larger customers are now buying direct from manufacturers rather than the traditional glass merchants”. “Its a combination of it not being profitable and it being possible to make other arrangements to serve the same customers who could buy direct from us”. A Labour MP for Pilkington“s home town of St Helens, Dave Watts, was due to meet officials company to seek assurances about employment in the area. Mr Watts said he wanted to discuss what the plans were for the company“s future in St Helens, security of the jobs and the manufacturing, and plans for future investment. Following the takeover by Nippon Sheet Glass, it was decided that Pilkington would retain its name and brand image.