Sell-off for ceramics plants

Workers at two plants owned by Johnson Matthey in north Staffordshire are being reassured their jobs are safe after the company announced its plans to sell its ceramics business.

Johnson Matthey employs 450 people in its colours and coatings division at factories in Kidsgrove and Fenton.

The division manufactures a wide range of chemicals and glazes used in the decoration of ceramic products chiefly tableware, glass and tiles.

These range from colours and stains to transfers, inks and liquid precious metal preparations.

Attractive business

It also makes pigments for plastics, paints and inks.

Bosses at the factories told workers on Thursday that the operation was being put up for sale.

But a company spokesman insisted there was nothing for workers to worry about.

He said the division was an attractive business and there had already been offers of interest.

The news follows the company's half year results which shows the speciality chemicals group showing a four per cent rise in pre-tax profits to £97.5m.