Is now the time to launch a quality women's footwear factory in the UK?"Blacks cuts jobs in boardsports merger
The group will close its Sandcity head office in Tyne & Wear head office, which distributes the O'Neill boardwear brand in the UK, and merge it with the group's Freespirit operation in Northampton.
The move follows the launch of a review of the boardwear operations and the suspension of managing director Darren Spurling in March, pending an investigation into accounting discrepancies, which is ongoing.
The merger will mean the loss of 50 jobs at Sandcity's Washington site, but 14 new roles will be created in Northampton. The company said it would help find new jobs for workers affected by the closure of the 147,000 sq ft Tyne & Wear warehouse and offices, which will be sold. The integration is expected to be completed by June.
Blacks Leisure chief executive Neil Gillis said: "Our recovery plan for the group identified that reducing the cost base and improving operational efficiencies were key to the future of the business. The decision to merge the Sandcity and Freespirit operations will eliminate duplication of functions within the boardwear businesses and deliver significant cost savings. While the job losses are regrettable, this action is essential to help restore the group to an acceptable level of performance."
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Anonymous | 7-May-2008 12:02 pm
No shock here at all in the current climate - partcularly with the trouble Blacks have been having. I wonder if this might take the pressure off the brands in questions - or will this simply be the first of several moves to shed some jobs. Interesting times indeed.
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