60 jobs go as distribution firm fails

A 90-year-old family business in Lancashire that handles warehousing and distribution has gone into administration with the loss of 60 jobs.

Administrators from KPMG have closed down the Darwen-based East Lancashire Warehousing Company (ELW) and are selling off its assets. Five staff have been retained.

They blamed the loss of key contracts at the business which had annual sales of around £5.6m.

ELW was set up by George Maudsley as a transport business but under his son Russell’s management it expanded to incorporate warehousing and now has a seven-acre site. Russell’s son, Ian Maudsley, is the current managing director.

According to the firm’s website it has a fleet of 60 vehicles, 90 trailers and a 125,000 sq ft warehouse.

Joint administrator Paul Flint said: “East Lancashire Warehousing Company has been serving customers in the North West and nationally for more than 90 years. Sadly, the loss of key contracts has forced the closure of the business with the loss of 60 jobs. We are now seeking buyers for the company’s assets.”