A quarter of staff at a manufacturing firm in Silver End are to lose their jobs, it has been revealed.

A total of 43 employees will be made redundant from Laird Security Hardware as part of company cutbacks over the next two months.

In a statement issued yesterday, Peter Rowlands, the company's managing director, said: "The reduction in workforce is due to lower demand for products in the replacement window market, which in turn has resulted from economic pressures affecting customer confidence.

"The redundancies will take place over a two-month period and maximum support will be given to affected employees."

Laird started off as Crittalls windows in Western Road in 1926 and now employs 175 workers.

The firm also has offices in Telford, Tipton and Cheltenham.

A 42-year-old Laird employee, who didn't want to be named, said: "They have asked for people to volunteer for the redundancies.

"I haven't decided what I am going to do, personally."

Mr Rowlands said: "The company is sound. It is just that the market at the moment is a bit down."

Mr Rowlands confirmed redundancies at the company would be taken on a voluntary basis first.

Published Friday August 13, 2004

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