ONE of Furness’ leading manufacturers has announced a number of redundancies in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Oxley Group, a hi-tech LED manufacturer in Ulverston, has revealed 18 roles from its 166 workforce will be made redundant.

The company, which has been in Ulverston for almost 80 years, has invited applications for voluntary redundancy.

A spokeswoman for Oxley Group said: “Oxley has conducted a review of business performance in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and the resulting uncertainty in the global economy.

“The impact on the Aerospace industry has been far-reaching and Oxley needs to reshape the business to adapt to the changed market outlook in order to remain efficient and productive to secure future opportunities.

“As part of this process, the Group anticipates that approximately 18 roles from its 166 workforce in Cumbria will become redundant and will therefore enter into a consultation process with employees.

“Oxley wishes to avoid having to make compulsory redundancies and has invited applications for voluntary redundancy.

“Oxley has been in Ulverston for almost 80 years and remains committed to retaining a full design and manufacturing service from the Priory Park site.

“Refocusing the business will place the Group in a stronger position to ensure a healthy future, as market predictions indicate that it may take many years for the Civil Aerospace market to recover.

“This is a challenging time for the business and for all affected colleagues. The Oxley directors would like to extend thanks to the whole team for their continued support during this difficult period.”