L&G halts production at modular homes factory

Grant Prior 1 year ago
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Legal & General is halting production at its modular homes factory in Yorkshire after the business racked-up losses of £174m since it was set-up seven years ago.

The majority of the 450-strong workforce at the plant near Shelby are now facing redundancy.

In a statement L&G said: “Legal & General has announced today that it is proposing to reduce business activity and cease new modular production at its Modular Housing Factory in Selby, Yorkshire, whilst reviewing and assessing potential strategic options for the business.

As a start-up business with a significant fixed cost base, a strong and predictable site pipeline is required to make L&G Modular Homes a successful sustainable business.

“However, a number of factors, including long planning delays and the impact of recent macro events such as Covid, have meant the business has not been able to secure the necessary scale of pipeline to make the current model work.

“Without this pipeline, it has not proved possible to build a business that can sustain the significant running costs of the large factory in Selby.

As a result, Legal & General is also commencing consultation with all employees around the proposal to make the majority of Modular Homes roles redundant. The business will be doing all that it can to support employees during this difficult time and will be actively exploring opportunities for redeployment.”

Bill Hughes, Chair of Legal & General Modular Homes’ Board, added: “Legal & General is proud of what we have achieved in bringing forward a new approach to construction through our factory.

“However, without the necessary scale of pipeline it is not sustainable to continue producing more modules. We are therefore reluctantly proposing to reduce business activity and cease production of new modules at the factory. 

“Regrettably, this includes commencing consultation with all employees around the proposal to make the majority of Modular Homes roles redundant.

“We recognise this will be a challenging and uncertain period for our staff and we will be actively exploring redeployment opportunities and supporting them during this difficult time.  

“Legal & General remains deeply committed to the UK housing sector, where we have delivered 15,000 homes over the last three years, and to our valued industry partners and customers.

“As such, we are continuing to actively explore all options available to us and will retain a select workforce to ensure high quality delivery and aftercare services for our existing customers, whilst engaging with each of our partners regarding ongoing modular projects.”   

In March the Enquirer revealed mould problems have hit L&G modular homes sites currently under construction.

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