150 jobs at risk at retail specialist

Some 150 jobs could be lost at Loughborough firm DCI-Artform, according to reports.

A downturn in orders could lead to the firm, which makes shop displays for cosmetics companies, closing down in January, according to Business Live.

DCI-Artform boss David Penn has staff at the company have been told a 45-day consultation on the future of the firm will start this month and that a decision will be made on the Loughborough base – and it’s sister site in the Czech Republic – in the New Year.

DCI-Artform is owned by US-based Marmon Holdings, which is itself part of conglomerate Berkshire Hathaway, owned by Warren Buffett.

Penn told Business Live: “The business is loss-making and the employees have been told that. We are entering a 45 day consultation period and have 150 staff on this site.

“There are two scenarios that will play out – a significant restructure and downsizing or, the worst case scenario, a proposal to exit the business.

“The reality is that this sector is tough. We are selling retail displays and the retail sector is suffering disruption though things such as e-commerce.

“We are heavily focussed on the cosmetics sector, selling into large multi-nationals who are changing their marketing mix – for instance, redirecting their money into Google Ads or into using vloggers.

“We are doing everything we can, but time will tell whether we will have the appropriate options to avoid a closure.”

Penn said that around 35 staff in Loughborough had already left the business.