MORE than 20 people are facing job uncertainty following the announcement that the Relyon factory in Okehampton’s North Road Industrial Estate could close in the next few weeks.

Owner Steinhoff UK Manufacturing announ-ced on Tuesday its proposal to close its Relyon Bed Manufacturing facility in Okehampton, formerly Sprung Slumber Ltd.

Before the decision is final, bosses have to go through a 30 day consultation period with union representatives and find alternative employment for the 28-strong team.

A spokesperson for Steinhoff UK said: ‘Steinhoff UK Manufacturing has announced the proposed closure of its Relyon Bed Manufacturing facility in Okehampton. The company has entered into formal consultation with the GMB Trade Union over the proposed closure of the site and finding alternative employment for the 28 employees.’

‘The company plans to consolidate its production of mattresses and headboards into its existing manufacturing facilities to improve operational efficiencies to help secure the long term future and viability of the Steinhoff man-ufacturing group.

‘Unfortunately the operational and logistics costs of keeping the Devon site open are no longer viable in such a competitive and challenging market-place.

‘It is, however, hoped that the majority of employees can be found work at Relyon’s headquarters in Wellington, Somerset, or within the wider Steinhoff group.’

Mayor of Okehampton Cllr Jan Goffey said: ‘It is such a shame to see yet another source of employment disappear from the town.

‘I know some employees have already found alternative employment but it will still be very sad to see another empty factory in the town. Hopefully somebody will be able to replace it.

‘Our town is very resilient and no doubt we will bounce back from this but I really feel for those employees.’