黑洞社区 products boss says despite downturn 鈥榩ent-up demand for housing鈥� remains

黑洞社区 materials maker, Hanson, has shed 30% of employees since the economic crisis began, the firm鈥檚 chief executive said today.

Patrick O鈥橲hea said 鈥減eak to trough鈥� capacity had fallen by between 35% and 40%, adding: 鈥淲e鈥檝e lost about 2,000 people.鈥�

O鈥橲hea was speaking at the launch of the Heidelberg-owned firm鈥檚 拢50m brick factory in Ashby-de-la-Zouche, Leicestershire. The facility, thought to be the largest in Europe, is expected to produce about 100 million tonnes of bricks a year when it opens in July.

David Szymanski, managing director of its building products section, said: 鈥淒espite the economic downturn and the subsequent fall in demand for bricks, there remains a pent-up demand for housing. This significant investment in the most modern plant in Europe emphasises our commitment to the future of industry and will ensure we stay ahead of the field when the recovery kicks in.鈥�

The soft mud plant, which is situated on brownfield land, is BREEAM 鈥渧ery good鈥� certified and uses the waste heat from the kiln to dry the bricks. It will employ 28 people.

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