Pilkington’s plant in Poole has been shut by administrator KPMG with the loss of 37 jobs.

But the main terrazzo flooring factory in Swinton, greater Manchester looks like being saved  because of industry demand for its specialist products.

Paul Flint, joint administrator, said: “Unfortunately, due to the uncertain long term customer demand for the tiles produced at the Poole site, we have decided to halt production resulting in staff redundancies.

” However, we are still working hard to find a buyer for the factory either on a standalone basis or as part of an overall sale of the business.

“We expect to recommence production of terrazzo flooring in the Swinton factory in Greater Manchester in the coming days, reflecting the level of demand for this product and indeed we have received a great deal of interest in potential buyers for this part of the business.”

Paul Flint and Brian Green from KPMG Restructuring in Manchester were appointed joint administrators of the group, including Pilkington’s Tiles Limited and Quiligotti Access Flooring Limited on Tuesday.

The firm employs 343 people and is one of construction’s leading suppliers of flooring and tiles.

One contractor told the Enquirer: “Pilkington’s products are used on sites all over the country.

“It was a real shock to see them go down so the quicker a buyer comes in and starts supplying us with flooring and tiles again the better.”