MP ‘VERY SAD’ FIRM SHUTTING FACTORY WITH 105 JOB LOSSES
Government talks planned after Johnson Tiles bombshell news
AN MP is calling for ‘urgent’ Government talks over the state of the ceramics industry after another iconic pottery firm announced the impending closure of its Stoke-ontrent factory.
The Sentinel revealed yesterday that Johnson Tiles is expected to close its Tunstall factory with the loss of 105 jobs this summer.
The announcement follows a management buyout deal with parent company Norcros.
The new UK management team
– managing director
Stephen Dixon, commercial director
Rich Kelsall and procurement director Jason Bridges – are set to assume full control from the end of May.
It comes as a consultation is already underway with the 105 workers. Norcros Group will continue to retain a presence in Tunstall – but all manufacturing will be outsourced.
Now Stoke-on-trent North MP Jonathan Gullis, above, is working with the DWP to try to help workers who will be left without a job.
He said: “It is very sad that Johnson Tiles will no longer manufacture its products in Stoke-on-trent.
“I know just how challenging an environment there is globally for energy intensive industries, particularly with Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine pushing up energy costs. “However, it is reassuring to know that Johnson Tiles will still have a presence in the Potteries, ensuring its products retain their unique heritage. “My immediate thoughts are with those who will sadly be impacted by the decision.
“My team and I are working with the Department of Work and Pensions to support people find new jobs locally, and we are requesting an urgent roundtable with the Secretary of State for Business & Trade with Ceramics UK, its members, and all local MPS to discuss how we can better support our world-leading ceramics manufacturers going forward.” Johnson Tiles was founded by Harry Johnson and the Johnson family in Cobridge in 1901. It acquired its Highgate Works HQ, in Tunstall, in 1911 and changed its name to H&R
Johnson Tiles in 1979. Johnson Tiles moved to its new facility in 2001 following a £35 million investment.