Skip manufacturer collapses into administration after over half a century in business

Nottinghamshire steel fabricator Firber Engineering has slipped into administration after 54 years in business.

Simon Chandler and Scott Bevan of Mazars have been handed the task of seeking a buyer for all or part of Firber’s assets after being appointed joint administrators on 23 November.

Rising steel costs partly caused by the conflict in Ukraine are understood to have caused “significant” cash flow issues for the business, while a pandemic-related decline in profits also appears to have precipitated the Kirkby-in-Ashfield firm’s collapse.

The skip manufacturing specialist has ceased trading and all 29 of its employees have been made redundant.

Chandler said: “It is always disappointing to see a prominent Nottinghamshire company like Firber Engineering cease trading. The business had traded successfully for over 50 years but, like many other businesses, has suffered from soaring coats associated with the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and the Ukraine war, which has resulted in the directors making the difficult decision to enter administration.

“Once this decision had been made, the directors were keen to act quickly to prevent the position for creditors worsening and so appointed administrators.”