70 engineering jobs saved in pre-pack deal

SALFORD-based Harland Machine Systems has been bought by Accraply Europe, part of the Barry Wehmiller Group in a pre-pack administration deal, saving 70 jobs.

This followed hard on the heels of the appointment of FRP Advisory partners Russell Cash and Rajnest Mittal as joint administrators of the labelling machine manufacturer yesterday.

The 44-year-old company has a £12m turnover but had faced recent difficulties leading to unsustainable pressure on cash-flow.

This resulted in a need for the company to seek the protection of administration in order to secure a more viable solution in the interests of all stakeholders, said FRP.

Russell Cash, joint administrator and partner at FRP Advisory, said: “We’re delighted to have secured the future of this key North West manufacturing business, preserving jobs and providing a continuity of supply for its loyal customer base. We wish Accraply and everyone involved in it every success for the future.”

Seamus Lafferty, president of Accraply, said: “This acquisition supports our long term strategy of developing and expanding our presence in Europe.”

Accraply is based in Colchester in Essex, but it’s parent company is a $2.4bn giant headquartered in St Louis, Missouri.