CARPET giant Brintons has carried out a management shake-up as the firm continues to face tough trading conditions in the wake of September 11.

Group managing director Alan Folwell is the biggest casualty. He has been replaced by John Pilling, cousin of chairman Michael Brinton.

Group marketing and sales director Roger Wilson will step down at the end of July.

Harry Reilly, currently group finance director, will take over responsibility for commercial issues.

Company secretary Eddie Gardiner refused to be drawn on the circumstances in which the two men stepped down, but confirmed that manufacturing was still facing difficult trading conditions.

He pointed out the firm had restructured during the last recession in the early 90s, adding: "Manufacturing appears to be finding it a struggle. The retail industry appears to be coping reasonably well. We hear comments about green shoots but we need them to grow a little faster."

Changes also include the firm's division into new businesses with separate UK residential and world-wide contract divisions, in addition to the firm's USA, Australasian and Indian businesses.

Mr Gardiner added: "These changes will facilitate the implementation of Brintons' global strategy to develop niche market opportunities in the mid to high-end of the soft flooring market sectors."

In December the firm announced a £3.6 million slump in profits in the financial year to last June, down to £7 million as the terrorist attack on New York hit demand from the US hotel market.

A total of 42 jobs were subsequently axed by the company, a third from the firm's Kidderminster plant.