Rail contractor runs out of track
A NORTH West rail network contractor has been placed in administration, putting around 30 jobs at risk.
Bethell Rail, a subsidiary of the privately owned construction and engineering services group Bethell plc, had a turnover of £8.4m last year.
Brian Green and Paul Flint of KPMG Restructuring in Manchester are now looking for a buyer for the loss-making business, which is based at the Europa Trading Estate, Kearsley near Bolton.
The firm undertakes civil engineering, electrification and plant works on the rail network, mostly for Network Rail.
Bethell Rail looks to have suffered a similar fate to listed company Jarvis, which has been hit by a reduction in infrastructure spending by major customer Network Rail.
Although the business has ceased trading, no one has been made redundant, while the business is marketed.
Paul Flint, joint administrator and associate partner at KPMG said: Although trading has ceased on appointment, we are looking for a buyer for the business and assets of the company – including its ongoing contracts.”
KPMG said no other parts of the Bethell Group, including Bethell Construction are affected by the administration.
Bethell, owned by businessman Tim Kilroe, saw income in the rail division fall sharply from £17m to £8.4m as it was hit by a slump in orders and the recession.
