90 factory jobs at risk after severe flood damage

A MANUFACTURER of coil springs has been forced to close in Leeds, after being unable to recover from the Boxing Day 2015 floods.

Suspension coil makers thyssenkrupp Woodhead took major damage to their site on Kirkstall Road during the floods, with water flooding to a depth of four feet.

The company employs 93 people at the site. Consultations will commence with immediate effect, according to the business.

A small sales and engineering office will remain in Leeds to support a UK customer base, but the company is considering the construction of a replacement factory in Eastern Europe.

It has been based on its Leeds site since 1999.

Matthias Koll, chief executive of the Springs & Stabilizers Business Unit at thyssenkrupp said “We are shocked and saddened by what has happened to the Kirkstall Road site as a result of the Boxing Day floods.

“Since the flood, the Leeds employees have worked tirelessly in cleaning the plant, equipment and stock, and supporting production at overseas locations to ensure that our customers continue to receive products. In spite of these efforts, because of the severe damage to the production equipment and the ongoing flood risk, it is not possible to continue operations. We will do everything we can to support the employees at this difficult time.”