50 jobs under threat at structural steel firm

AROUND 50 jobs are under threat at a structural steel specialist in Blackpool after it fell into administration.

In a statement Jason Marsh, a director at APC Engineers, blamed a major client’s bad debt for the company’s failure.

Administrators from Begbies Traynor are now looking for a buyer who could take on the contracts and secure the jobs.

He said: “The depressed construction market continues to be fiercely competitive and despite substantial secured orders for the New Year APC Engineers has been unable to recover from the recent non payment of money owed to it by a major client.

“Following this event APC Engineers has begun the process of formally being placed into administration.”
 
He added: “This is a very distressing time for all of the 50 employees and their families and we are doing everything that we can to assist each and every member of the work force individually. We have all been shocked and saddened by the closure of the company after 30 years and with the loss of livelihoods for so many dedicated and skilled workers from the local area.”
 
“Structural steel companies are especially vulnerable at the moment with the depressed state of the construction industry and clients who continue not to pay. There are a number of third parties who have expressed an interest in continuing with the business and its contracts from the Amy Johnson Way site and negotiations are currently underway in an attempt to secure a buyer and ultimately the workforce.”