Heijmans lowers prefab production

Dutch contractor Heijmans has responded to "difficult" conditions in the prefabricated concrete market by sharply reducing the production capacity of its Bestcon factory.

The company said Bestcon would now only focus on the production of prefab concrete for Heijmans activities, including residential and non-residential building, and civil engineering works.

"This means that over two thirds of the 90 jobs will be eliminated. Where possible, Heijmans will relocate employees internally, however the possibility of forced layoffs has not been excluded," the company said.

Heijmans warned that the market for prefab concrete was challenging in both residential and non-residential building during its nine-month trading update, adding that "persistent losses" at Bestcon required firm measures. For the first half of the year, Bestcon reported a loss of €2 million, compared to a loss of €1 million for full-year 2010.