Brickmaker Michelmersh stated it’ll shut its manufacturing facility in South Yorkshire for 2 months later this yr to hold out repairs paintings whilst the call for for bricks remains quiet within the wake of the housing slowdown.
Income within the first part used to be down 16% to £35m whilst pre-tax benefit fell a 3rd to £4m within the six months to June.
Leader govt Peter Sharp stated the shutdown at its Carlton web site, which were because of occur subsequent spring, used to be being introduced ahead to November and December this yr.
“We want to do a little kiln upgrades and in a buoyant marketplace, you’re suffering to search out time to try this.”
The company, which has 5 factories, closed its manufacturing facility in Belgium previous this yr for a similar explanation why however Sharp stated the company used to be anticipating the housing marketplace to make stronger subsequent yr.
Round two-thirds of Michelmersh’s trade is within the new construct and RMI sectors and Sharp added: “We’re positive about subsequent yr. Our order consumption is forward of funds expectancies.”
He stated the company were inspired by means of the brand new Labour govt’s dedication to construct extra houses. However he added: “That can take time to filter out thru [although] anything else that get extra area constructed will lend a hand the sphere.”