Accountants KPMG have closed the smaller Poole factory in Dorset but confirmed they hope to restart production at the Salford works in Greater Manchester this week.

The decision to supply existing orders will come as a big relief to many contractors who faced having to delay jobs to find new suppliers.

Among its many industry customers Pilkington’s signed a sole supplier deal with house builder Taylow Wimpey a few months ago.

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 last Monday.

They said that they remained confident that a buyer could be found for parts of the business.

Pilkington’s employed 380 staff across its terrazzo flooring and raised access flooring businesses before the group collapsed.

Paul Flint, KPMG joint administrator and restructuring associate partner, said: “Unfortunately, on assessing the demand for the company’s products, it has been necessary to make 204 staff redundant.

“Negotiations with customers are ongoing and we are hopeful that we will be able to recommence production of terrazzo flooring and the ceramic products in the Swinton factory.”

“We continue to work hard on securing a buyer for the business, either in distinct parts or as a whole.

“To date, a great deal of buyer interest has been shown in the terrazzo and ceramics production.”