A BEDDING manufacturer that hailed an “asset to the community” has been saved from closure, protecting more than 260 jobs.

Tempur Sealy has re-acquired the rights and assets to manufacture and market Sealy and Stearns & Foster products from current licensee Silentnight Group - saving it from closure.

The protection from closure has come as welcome news for one councillor in Aspatria, who has also worked there for more than nine years.

The Aspatria site was earmarked for closure in May but its future has been secured with the purchase. The consultation period was extended in late August when a potential third-party buyer emerged.

Claire Blaney, who is a member of Aspatria town councillor, has been a worker at the factory for a number of years and is over the moon the branch won’t be closing.

She said: “I have worked at Sealy for more than nine years and to hear the news last week we had been taken over was amazing.

“Sealy employs a lot of people and a lot of family’s work here, so when I heard it was possible it was going to shut I was upset for the family’s who work here. When we were told it had been taken over it was such a relief for all and a little emotional. I think it’s amazing for the town as Sealy is a big part of the town and it puts Aspatria on the map.

“I am excited to see what our new owners can bring to Aspatria.”

Contracts have been exchanged and the process of formally transferring the business and employees to the new ownership has an expected completion date of October 31.

Councillor Mike Johnson, deputy leader of Allerdale Council, said: “It’s great to hear that the Sealy site in Aspatria has been saved and the jobs of 260-plus people have been protected.

“The business is extremely important to the economy of the town but also to the wider area and we look forward to working with them going forward.

“We have been working very closely with Sealy and the new owners over the last few months to achieve this really positive outcome and will continue our support going forward. We’ll also continue to support the business community across Allerdale to help create thriving towns.”