Factory animation studios enters liquidation

Factory, the leading animation business based in Altrincham has gone into liquidation.

Conrad Pearson and Patrick Lannagan, from international audit, tax and advisory firm Mazars, have been appointed as joint liquidators of Factory Transmedia Ltd on 2 April.

A spokesperson for Mazars said Factory Transmedia had a strong reputation for production and creative excellence.

It specialised in a diverse range of animation-led projects, including The Clangers, Scream Street and Strange Hill High.

A statement from Mazars said: “Unfortunately, over the last 12 months the number of projects being green-lit by broadcasters around the world has been severely cut as the global economy and audience behaviours have changed markedly.

“These challenging market conditions were a significant factor in the insolvency of the business.”

Altrincham Today has reported that eight people have lost their jobs as a result.

The news is a real blow to the North West creative sector.

Factory was a full-service studio with its shows airing on CBBC, CBeebies, ITV, Disney and Nickelodeon.

Since it was founded in 2010 the studio produced over 80 hours of animated content including three specials for Disney and Club Penguin.

The Factory studios occupied 35,000 square feet of studio and office space, and during busy times employed over 100 staff.

In 2019 Factory took on 25 new staff following the expansion of its digital division at its headquarters in Altrincham, after securing a major new commission for a feature length 2D animation based on a book by former Children’s Laureate Michael Morpurgo.