Global pottery manufacturer Steelite International has extended its production shutdown until May as a result of coronavirus.
The Stoke-on-Trent business had been due to resume operations at its Middleport headquarters on Monday (April 20) with more than 650 employees poised to return to work.
But the company has now revealed that it is extending the shutdown by a further two weeks to 'safeguard employees and sustain the business.'
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It means factory staff and workers based at the firm's Cross 50 warehouse facility in Newcastle-under-Lyme will not return to work until at least May 4.
West Midlands coronavirus news
A spokesperson for Steelite International said: "The majority of Steelite employees will remain on furloughed leave until the week commencing Monday, May 4th.
"This affects employees at the company's Middleport factory and distribution centre as well as the Cross 50 warehousing facility at Newcastle-under-Lyme. It also applies to office-based employees.
"All staff have been contacted and informed of the situation and the new date.
"The company will continue to review its position in line with the latest Government advice."
The announcement follows luxury car-maker Bentley's decision to extend its shutdown until at least May 11.