Carpet plant jobs saved

Unions say jobs at a sister carpet plant are still at risk

Three hundred jobs have been saved at the UK's largest carpet manufacturer following a management buyout.

Bosses at Carpets International in south Wales, put a deal together after the firm went into receivership in August.

On Tuesday, receivers PricewaterhouseCoopers confirmed the sale of the factory at Crumlin near Newbridge had been completed.

Workers at the site, which has been making carpets for more than 20 years, "roared" with delight when the deal was announced.

Unions have said they welcome the news but said workers' pensions could be in jeopardy.

It is expected over the next 12 months that will expand the operation to 340 people Robert Dight, production director

The manufacturing union the Transport and General Workers Union (TGWU) represent workers at the plant.

"We remain concerned over the security of the existing pension arrangements," said Peter Booth, the union's national organiser.

The Crumlin plant was the only one of the six Carpets International outlets to escape job losses after the receivership announcement.

The site, which has been renamed Abingdon Flooring Ltd, has an annual turnover of £45m and employed a quarter of the workforce of Carpets International.

Expansion plans

Robert Dight, was part of the management buyout team, he said he was sure the plant would be a success.

"We were seen as the jewel in the crown of Carpets International," he said.

"We didn't have any casualties at all where as all the other sites have shut down.

"There was a roar on the factory floor when the news broke.

"The jobs threat has been hanging over the workers heads for a while.

"I am glad it is all over.

"It is expected over the next 12 months that we will expand the operation to 340 people."

The firm's headquarters are in Bradford, West Yorkshire with its other manufacturing plants in Donaghadee, County Down.

"We are also mindful that whilst Welsh jobs have been saved, the Carpets International plant in Donaghadee in Northern Ireland stands idle," said Mr Booth.

"Our hope today is that the DTI and Invest Northern Ireland can be equally supportive to offer some hope to the community there for a similar rescue plan."