This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-devon-21668326

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Axminster Carpets: 'Majority of jobs to go' in rescue bid Axminster Carpets: 'Majority of jobs to go' in rescue bid
(about 1 hour later)
The majority of staff at Axminster Carpets are set to lose their jobs, the BBC has been told.The majority of staff at Axminster Carpets are set to lose their jobs, the BBC has been told.
More than 300 jobs are expected to axed, as part of a deal aimed at saving the firm from going into liquidation. More than 300 jobs are expected to be cut as part of a deal aimed at saving the firm from going into liquidation.
Last month, the company, which is one of Devon's biggest private employers, applied to go into administration. Of those, more than 100 jobs are expected to be at its Buckfast site, where the carpet manufacturer has its yarn-spinning business.
About 95 members of staff are expected to be kept in Axminster by the unnamed buyer, the South West Local Enterprise Partnership said. About 95 staff were expected to be kept by the unnamed buyer, the South West Local Enterprise Partnership said.
Among the jobs being cut, more than 100 jobs are expected to be lost at Buckfast, where the carpet manufacturer has its yarn-spinning business. 'Disappointing and sad'
The luxury carpet maker can trace its roots back to 1755. Last month, the company, one of Devon's biggest private employers, applied to go into administration.
The BBC understands a buyer wants to buy it out of administration and keep some current board members, allowing some continuity.
However, Tim Jones, of the enterprise partnership, said it was still "a very disappointing and sad day for many, many people".
"I suppose the good news is that there is a phoenix-like company willing to buy it, so it looks as if the manufacturing plant can be saved," he said.
But he added the impact on Buckfast could be "devastating".
"It's not just about the direct job losses, but also indirect jobs," he said.
"A local supply chain has risen in Buckfast over many, many years. Up to 50 jobs could be lost at such suppliers."
Mayor of Axminster Andrew Moulding, said the town losing the brand was "not something I'm wishing to explore".
Origins from 1755
He said: "We'll have to take that as it comes.
"Everybody knows families who have either worked at Axminster Carpets or have had relatives who have worked there.
"Therefore those people live and breathe Axminster Carpets, and the town lives and breathes Axminster Carpets, and we want it to continue."
The origins of the luxury carpet maker can be traced back to Thomas Whitty, who began making carpets and rugs in the town in 1755 using what became known as the Axminster method of weaving.
The first carpets were bought by the likes of King George III and Queen Charlotte, who visited the factory.
The Whitty family business perished during the 1830s - but the tradition was revived in the town in 1937, when Harry Dutfield, the son of a Glasgow carpet designer, founded the current company.