Artificial grass maker enters administration with loss of 47 jobs

A SPORTS surface company in Lancashire has been placed into administration with 47 staff of its 52 headcount made redundant.

Blackburn-based Thornton Sports Group manufacturers, fits and maintains sports surfaces and artificial grass.

The group comprises six complementary companies: Thornton Sports Ltd; Thorntons Contracts Ltd; GTC Sports Ltd; Nordon Ltd; Protech AllWeather; and Soccer Turf.  

Established more than 35 years ago, the group was chosen as a partner for many PFI/PPP, NOF and City Academy projects.  Its manufacturing plant is based in Altham near Blackburn and its maintenance operation is in Wigston near Leicester.

Joanne Hammond and John Russell of Begbies Traynor in Sheffield were appointed as joint administrators.

Hammond said: “Unfortunately, the group suffered from quality problems with some of its products which proved too costly to rectify. This, together with low margins and increased competition, has made the business unviable.  

“We will be marketing Thornton Sport’s manufacturing plant in Blackburn and working to recover further funds for the creditors.”

Eddisons are currently managing the disposal of the assets and any enquiries should be directed to Stephen Milner of Eddisons on 0161 429 0300.