Showroom to open, but not factory
A GLAZING firm has confirmed it has no plans to reopen a factory in Newton Abbot.
Britannia Windows, which rescued Launa Windows from administration, says production will be carried out at its state-of-the-art facility at its Clevedon headquarters.
But the firm revealed it has secured a new premises within the area for warehousing and offices and hopes to open a new showroom.
Bristol-based Britannia Windows acquired Launahurst Ltd, trading as Launa Windows at Bradley Lane, after it went into administration with 60 of its 72 staff immediately being made redundant.
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Britannia Windows was named as the buyer after a week of negotiations.
It immediately announced it was creating 40 jobs over the next month. The Launa Windows brand name will also be retained.
Hopes were high manufacturing would be retained within its Bradley Mill site but it has now been confirmed this is not the case.
Britannia Windows managing director Hayden Rushton said: "There are no plans to reopen the factory in Newton Abbot as production will take place at Britannia's state-of-the art facility.
"An offer has been accepted on a new premises in Newton Abbot which will be used for warehousing and offices.
"The team are looking forward to relocating to fresh new surroundings where we also hope to open a showroom."
The company remains tight-lipped on the location of the new premises, but Mr Rushton says South Devon is a 'fantastic' part of the world, both for business and pleasure.
He said: "Newton Abbot is just over an hour from Clevedon, which makes it ideal for us to expand our area of operation.
"I've also got a real soft spot for Devon. It's a fantastic part of the world."
Fitters, office staff and sales team members have been recruited and it was very much 'business as usual', he said.
"A fantastic core of loyal staff has been retained," he said. "Eighteen fitters have been taken on and have a full installation schedule.
"We have 10 members of the office team, five in sales and two surveyors. In addition six people will be taken on in the factory in Clevedon, so we've already created 39 jobs.
"By the end of the month we should have in excess of 45 staff members.
"New employment opportunities will be created throughout the year as the company expands.
"Launa is a well respected, quality brand in the South West. Everybody I speak to seems to know the catchy 'Launa man can' jingle."
Comments
by Chunder123
Saturday, May 19 2012, 2:23PM
“wooden window frames look so much nicer. ok so they might require more maintenace but these plastic window frames are the most ugly thing i have ever seen and everybody has been cloned with them. I'd choose high qaulity wood over metal frames or plastic anyday. good quality wooden frames should last a long time if properly cared for. WHy are we taking the plastic route”
by goldenoldy
Friday, May 18 2012, 10:39AM
“Rescued from administration? for the factory staff that's like being picked from the Titanic by the Hindenburg, the bay needs is another D/glazing firm like a fish needs wings, as is obvious by the fact they went down in the first place.”