JUST months after a Bayton stone manufacturer crumbled, former staff are back in business and hope to get six more ex-colleagues on board this year.

In March, Worcestershire Cast Stone Ltd rose from the ashes of JP Naylor, which hit rock bottom in December 2011 and went into receivership. A total of 23 staff were made redundant from the factory at Woodside Business Park.

David Harris, who was works manager for JP Naylor, is now the managing director of the new company, which makes reconstituted stone products such as cills, lintels, copings and pier caps as well as bespoke items.

“I feel inspired to continue the legacy of such a great product,” said Mr Harris. “I am delighted to have the opportunity to re-employ some of the original team with whom I worked.

“I feel that this is crucial for the future success of Worcestershire Cast Stone which now has both a high quality product which is in great demand in the construction industry, and experienced men to fulfill the orders for both traditional and new products which are being added to our range.

“I am very excited and optimistic about the future.The ambitious team behind Worcestershire Cast Stone is passionate about the products which it produces and dedicated to providing a high quality service.”

He said three former employees had been recruited, which he was hoping to increase to nine by the end of the year.