A company in the Bradford district is set to shed up to 99 jobs due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Clamps manufacturer Teconnex has announced redundancies across departments at its head office and manufacturing plant in Chesham Street, off Dalton Lane, Keighley.

Managing director designate, Chris Marsden, said the family-owned business had successfully grown over the past 15 years – employing 550 workers at its peak last year.

But the Covid-19 crisis has had a major impact.

“We have seen a downturn in our main market sectors, the closure of our customers’ facilities for significant periods and large disruption in supply chains – all leading to a significant and sustained reduction in our order book and leaving the future looking very uncertain,” said Mr Marsden.

“This means the business has to re-size and make redundancies.

“It has been an extremely difficult decision for the directors after such a long period of continued growth and success. However, the survival of the company is at the forefront of current decision-making and it is imperative to take action to ensure the firm has a long-term future and allows opportunities for future growth and job creation.”

Mr Marsden said 60 per cent of staff had been placed on furlough early last month under the Government’s Job Retention Scheme – with some gradually being brought back to work – and all directors and many senior managers had taken a voluntary pay cut.

He added that consultation with employees regarding potential redundancies had begun on May 4.

Keighley MP Robbie Moore said he had offered any help he could to the company.

He added: “I have been working closely with government to ensure as many businesses are as best protected financially as possible and are able to come back strong once the economy starts moving again. I have been in contact with the managing director at Teconnex and made it clear that I am here to help in any way that I can.”

District councillor Khadim Hussain, whose Keighley Central ward includes the Teconnex factory, said the company’s action was “short-sighted” and he called on management to think again.

He added: “This is very sad news, and is not good for families at this time. Redundancy should be a last resort. There should be ways of helping the workforce.”