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A familiar Preston business name has been saved from going under by a management buyout.
Plumbs – located in Ashton-on-Ribble – employs at least 240 people.
Dating back seven decades the firm has always been in the Plumb family and retains its current managing director Sarah Page who traces her family line back through the Plumbs.
The firm, started on a market stall has become a household name for sofa covers, curtains and all kinds of upholstery.
Managing director of Plumbs, Sarah Page, said: “Here at Plumbs, we’re specialists in renewal, and now is the time to turn this lens on ourselves. This marks the start of a new chapter for the next generation of our family, who remain committed to the promises of outstanding quality and friendly service that the company was founded on.
“I’m delighted to be retaining our skilled team and continuing to champion British manufacturing and sustainable solutions in the furniture industry.”
She went on to say: “Since my grandparents first opened their market stall in 1953, Plumbs has always been a brand that is both crafted, and loved, by our family – and that firmly remains.
“I want to personally assure you that this change will not affect any current orders. Each product will continue to be beautifully crafted to the same high standards we are proud to uphold.
“Additionally, any quotes recently provided remain valid, and all scheduled appointments will go ahead as planned. Our commitment to bespoke British manufacturing, our skilled craftspeople, and our friendly, personal service remain at the heart of what makes Plumbs so special.”
As well as its factory at Brookhouse Mill in Old Lancaster Lane, Ashton-on-Ribble, the firm has committed to keeping its satellite workshops in Redhill, Thetford and Dover.
Two employees at a small transport hub are due to lose their jobs.
The firm has committed to all 80 sales consultants and network of independent upholsterers across the UK it will continue to work with.
The previous firm, Plumbs Ltd, has been bought by Sarah Plumb Limited.
Companies House shows the previous firm – Plumbs Ltd – was operated and run by four directors, James Page and Sarah Page, along with Christopher Wontner-Smith and Andrew Pickup.
The largest shareholder of Plumbs (Ltd) was Ann Plumb – although she was no longer the majority shareholder. Geoffrey Plumb – who was a director and former major shareholder – passed away in 2022.
Latest accounts for the firm, covering 2022, show the firm had to find cost savings of nearly £1million to survive and in 2023 shut down a Southampton production facility to continue making savings.
The firm made a small profit of £90,634 in 2022 an improved position on the previous year where losses totalled more than £300,000 – with the directors blaming rapidly escalating costs, a lack of available staff and the economic turbulence during the year affecting orders as consumer confidence rapidly declined. The firm has recently been investing heavily in the e-commerce side of the business.
Turnover increase compared to 2021, up to £24.9m for 2022 versus £22.7m in the previous year.
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