Qualceram Shires’ sales down on 2004
At the company’s annual general meeting yesterday, chairman Peter Addison said sales in the first five months of 2005 had been hit by tough conditions in the British market and were down on the same period last year. “Consumer demand continues to weaken in the UK and this, coupled with competitive pricing pressures, has affected the bathroom industry in general. However, remedial action already taken by the group will help to offset the impact of some of the negative factors.”
Last month the company announced it was ceasing some production at its manufacturing plant at Longton in England with the loss of 220 jobs. Mr Addison told shareholders: “In the UK market, the flexibility to adapt to a changing market remains the primary focus for the group. The consultation process in relation to the group’s production facility at Longton has been completed, and the redundancy programme is expected to be completed by the end of August 2005. In the Irish market, the business continues to perform well across all brands.”
