MORE than 150 years of shoe manufacturing in Kendal is to end following the announcement today (Friday) that the Springer Factory is to shut this year with the loss of 167 jobs.
The news means that no more shoes will be made in the town that lent its initial letter to the K Shoes brand.
Workers leaving the Natland Road site this morning said they had been expecting the news, and there appeared to be little shock at the plant.
One man said they had been "sold down the river" by the decision.
The announcement by Clarks International to close the factory by mid-year means the end of the shoe-making business founded by Robert Somervell in 1842, that later became K shoes. The firm was taken over by C&J Clark Ltd in 1981.
A total of 84 jobs will stay at the warehouse and repair factory.
January 10, 2003 13:00
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