160 jobs under threat as Birmingham engineering group enters administration

A BIRMINGHAM-based engineering and project management business has been forced into administration threatening the jobs of 160 employees.

PwC was called in to handle the affairs of Enpure Ltd and Enpure Holdings Ltd in Woodgate after the company encountered problems.

Enpure, which has a turnover of £65m and employs 160 people, is a process engineering and project management company providing a range of services from design through to commissioning in the water, waste and energy sectors.

Enpure initially provided solutions to the water industry, and then early in 2000 the company turned its attention to the solid waste market offering process based solutions. The business operates from premises in Birmingham, but also has satellite offices in Kent and Northern Ireland with operations on sites across the country.
 
The company has been placed into administration following what administrators describe as “a challenging period of trading” which has seen the business experience significant creditor pressure.

PwC said that due to the extensive pressure on working capital on a small number of large projects, the company could not continue to trade as a going concern. This culminated in the directors requesting that its funders place the business into administration.

Company operations are now on hold pending discussions with customers and contractors, and the administrators have entered into a period of consultation with employees.  
 
Matthew Hammond, PwC partner and joint administrator along with Mark Hopkins and Steve Ellis, said: “Our immediate priority is to review the existing financial position, explore available restructuring options and develop an effective strategy for the business, with a view to realising best value for the benefit of creditors.  

“We are in discussion with a number of parties who have expressed interest in certain assets and contracts of the business, but would encourage any further interested parties to contact us as a matter of urgency.”
 
The administrators have said they will provide updates to customers and employees on a regular basis.