Production will resume this week at Forterra’s Bison Precast factory in Derbyshire, following temporary suspension amid Covid-19
Building products manufacturer, Forterra, announced it would suspend production at the end of March.
However, its CEO has now revealed Forterra’s Bison Precast factory will reopen this week.
Chief executive Stephen Harrison, said: “Since our announcement last month that we would be temporarily halting production at most of our manufacturing sites, we have been planning alternative working practices that enable us to recommence manufacturing while keeping our staff safe and able to socially distance.
“Following guidance from the NHS, Public Health England and the Construction Leadership Council, we have started the process of carrying our risk assessments and are pleased to announce that we plan to fire up kilns ready to start production at one of our brick manufacturing facilities next week.
“Also next week, we shall recommence production of our hollowcore product at Bison Precast in Swadlincote.
“We expect this to be followed by the reopening of two more plants in May.”
Other plants to reopen June/July
Harrison added: “Due to the current high inventory levels we anticipate that the majority of our plants will reopen during June and July.
“This move means that we shall be able to support our housebuilder customers as they also begin the process of returning to work over the coming days and weeks, ramping up our production as and when inventory and demand from the market requires.
“This return to business is encouraging and we must all adjust to the new ways of working that ensure the safety of our staff and our customers and the continued success of our industry.”
