Materials firm Brett Martin to make 52 redundant

Materials company Brett Martin has proposed to make 52 employees redundant at its plant in Mallusk, Northern Island.

Last week managing director WL Martin told staff:

"As a direct result of the current economic downturn, a reduced order book has resulted in lower levels of activity across many departments.

"We have carried out a thorough review of the business in light of this and the expected environment in 2009. Whilst we have explored all other alternatives, regrettably a reduction in manpower requirements across the site within our production and supporting facilities is necessary."

The news follows the introduction of short time working at Brett Martin's plants on Monday 17 November.

GMB organiser Michael Mulholland, who represents GMB members at the plant said: "Brett Martin is another company badly affected by the current economic climate and the impact it is having on the level of activity in the building industry across the UK. GMB will seek during the consultation period to minimise the number of job losses."

The company employs around 400 people at its Mallusk plants, where it manufactures plastic building products such as roofing, soil waste and rainwater products.