ESH Border Construction is planning to close its joinery business in Carlisle.

It will consolidate its Cumbrian operations on a new site in Penrith, and 16 employees are at risk of redundancy.

The County Durham firm, which already had a base in Kendal, acquired Border Construction in Burgh Road Industrial Estate, Carlisle, in 2014.

It subsequently shed 19 jobs but last year announced a £75,000 investment in Border Joinery – its in-house joinery manufacturing division – to boost capacity, support apprenticeships and create jobs.

It now says the joinery business must close.

Regional managing director Simon Phillips said: “This follows two years where we have made investments in equipment, a dedicated website and vehicles but unfortunately have not been able to turn this business into a profitable operation.

“We are all deeply saddened to have to close the joinery business.”

He said the decision to relocate offices followed a comprehensive review and will provide a solid base for growth.

He added: “We believe that creating a single office is an important and natural step to take, providing us with the right platform for further growth.

"The new office will provide an improved working environment and better links to the market.”

The changes are expected to take effect from May.

The company is in consultation with employees at Carlisle and Kendal about the move to Penrith.

A spokesman said: “We can confirm that 16 people are at risk of redundancy, but as we head into consultation with the affected employees, we will be talking to them about opportunities elsewhere in the company.”