Iconic Lancashire brickworks to be mothballed as housebuilding slump hits demand
Brickmaker Forterra is set to mothball its plant in Claughton, Lancashire, and cut production in its Aircrete business following a slump in demand in July and August.
The firm issued a profit warning yesterday (October 11) as it said it would “align production levels with market demand”.
Bricks have been made at the Claughton site, in the Lune Valley near Lancaster, for 180 years and this isn’t the first time the site has been mothballed. In 2010 a fall in demand for bricks caused previous owner Hanson to close with the loss of 28 jobs.
Claughton ropeway (National Transport Trust)
The site also features Europe’s only industrial aerial ropeway which transports 300 tonnes of clay each day to a brickworks 1.75 miles (2.8 km) away.
Built in 1924, the ropeway which goes across the A683 between Lancaster and Kirkby Lonsdale, is made of 25mm-thick steel and is carried above ground on trestles without using any power.
Forterra recently stated that it employs 57 full-time staff producing a million bricks every week to housebuilders in the north of England and Scotland.
However the firm said the market had turned. “Market weakness seen in recent months coupled with the lead time associated with efficiently reducing production, will lead to our inventory build in 2023 being higher than previously anticipated.”
However, Forterra said it is pressing ahead with the commissioning of its new brick plant in Desford, Leicestershire.
The statement added: “Looking ahead we expect to manage our operations on the assumption that 2024 demand will be at a similar level to 2023 and, accordingly we will look to align production output with this level of sales, thereby limiting further inventory growth.
“Growing political focus on increasing housing supply ahead of a general election reinforces the board’s confidence in the long-term industry fundamentals and the board remains confident that the group remains well placed to benefit when market demand recovers.”
The company has been contacted for further comment on the jobs of those affected and the future of the site.
