200 jobs at risk as sales slump at holiday homes manufacturer
Holiday homes maker, Willerby, has confirmed about 200 jobs are at risk as it plans to cut production due to a slump in sales.
The Hull-based company says a consultation with workers is under way and anyone who is to be made redundant would be given notice on 26 January.
Bosses said a drop in sales had left them “no choice but to adapt to very challenging market conditions”.
For the year to October 1 2022, Willerby recorded turnover of £217m, up 67% from £129.9m the year before. Operating profits rose to £15.1m, a fourfold increase on £3m the previous year,
However, the business has now said: “Unfortunately, a significant decline in holiday park and residential park home sales have left us with no choice but to adapt to these very challenging market conditions.
“Regrettably, we have announced the start of a consultation that could potentially result in a reduction of around 200 jobs.
“We understand fully the impact this will have on affected employees and their families and our priority is to ensure our people are treated with the utmost respect and fairness throughout the consultation process.”
Two production lines at the firm were only operational on Monday and Tuesday this week and will see the same reduced hours next week. Staff have also been informed that following the Christmas shutdown there will be a period of short time working for all production.
Willerby is the UK’s largest manufacturer of static caravans and lodges – building a third of new units destined for holiday parks – as well as operating a growing residential park homes brand, Willerby Bespoke.
The business is majority owned by independent investment house Equistone Partners Europe, with a minority stake held by the management team.
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