More than a hundred jobs are being axed at a mid-Essex firm.

Laird Security Hardware in Western Road, Silver End, is to shed 120 jobs over 12 months at its factory.

The company, which manufactures and distributes window and door hardware, said that due to market price pressures it would carry out a 12-month redundancy programme at the factory, starting in early April.

It will leave just 40 staff at the site.

The Silver End factory, which started out as Crittalls Windows in 1926, has been the main UK manufacturing site for the company, and management said that it would be consulting union representatives.

Peter Rowlands, managing director, said: "This is obviously a very difficult time for everyone involved.

"The company management is working closely with employee unions and representatives and will give as much support as possible to those employees who leave the company during 2005."

More in today's Evening Gazette

Published Monday, January 10, 2005

Brought to you by the Evening Gazette