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Birmingham Post
Birmingham Post
Business
Abigail Turner

Tewkesbury's Duraflex Windows Systems is set to close with the loss of more than 100 jobs

A Tewkesbury-based windows company is set to close down with the estimated loss of more than 100 jobs.

Duraflex Windows Systems is owned by Cardiff-based parent company UK Windows and Doors Group, which released a statement saying it intended to "consult with employees on the proposed closure" of the Gloucestershire business.

UK Windows and Doors Group is consulting staff at the manufacturing, warehousing and office site at Tewkesbury Business Park's Severn Drive over alternative employment.

The statement said: "UK Windows and Doors Group, a market leading manufacturer of uPVC window and door systems has announced that it intends to consult with employees on the proposed closure of its Duraflex extrusion business in Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire.

"Duraflex has faced continuous challenges over the past few years which include the soaring costs of raw materials and energy and despite the best efforts of management to keep the business fully operational, it has come to a point where it is considered no longer financially viable to continue manufacturing at the site.

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"The Company has therefore concluded, after considering all possible options, it is likely that the Tewkesbury site will close and has started the formal consultation process with all affected employees."

Other sites within UK Windows and Doors Group, the statement added, will remain unaffected by this change.

"Duraflex and UK Windows and Doors Group will be working closely with employees, customers, and suppliers throughout the consultation period to ensure the best possible outcome for all parties."

Evidence of the company's struggles mounted in April when it warned of a necessary additional 9.8% price-rise, driven by Ukraine, energy costs and supply chain challenges. The change took the overall surcharge to 22.3%.

Matthew Scoffield, chief executive for UK Windows and Doors Group, said: "After exhausting all options, we have regrettably reached the point where we must consult with employees regarding the closure of the Duraflex site in Tewkesbury."

The challenges in recent years meant the site was "no longer financially viable, despite our best attempts," he added.

"This action, though extremely difficult, is necessary to support the longterm future and create a more stable financial position for the wider Group. We will begin consulting with employees and will do everything we can to minimise the impact on them as far as practicable."

Starting out in 1953 with aluminium product manufacturing, Duraflex entered the windows and door sector in 1970. The company became part ofUK Windows and Doors Group in 2004, when it moved to combine all production, warehousing and office needs into the 275,000 sq ft plant in Tewkesbury.

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