100 jobs at risk as manufacturer slides towards administration

THE jobs of around 100 people at a Worcestershire manufacturing business are at risk after the firm announced its intention to appoint administrators.

Froude Hofmann, which can trace back its roots to Worcester back to 1903, has suffered a period of sustained losses.

The firm, which designs, manufactures and supplies an extensive range of engine testing systems in the automotive, gas turbine, marine and industrial market, employs approximately 100 members of staff.  

A spokesman for the firm said: “The company has experienced a period of significant losses coupled with a weak order intake.  As a result, a notice of intention to appoint administrators has been filed.

“In the meantime we are working with Andy Turpin and Matt Hardy of proposed administrators Poppleton & Appleby to assess the options in the coming days.

“The majority of staff have been laid off while we decide on the most appropriate course of action, which could include amongst other options, the continuation of ongoing operations and a possible sale of the underlying business and assets.”

The firm said all options were being considered but it has appointed an agent – James Acton at Gordon Brothers Europe – should any party be interested in acquiring the business and/or its assets.

It has been a tough day for firms in the Midlands as a whole.

Leicestershire-based Pera Technology has slipped into administration putting over 150 jobs at risk.

The news comes just weeks after sister company Pera Management Services was wound up.
Pera Technology, based in Melton Mowbray was established in 1946 to try and stimulate activity in post-War Britain.

Last year it had a turnover of £18m.

The organisation worked with companies of all sizes from across Europe, and helped ease the risk involved in new product development, as well as access European grant funding.

Over the past decade, it was estimated that Pera Technology worked on at least 600 innovative technology projects, with a market value of around £20bn for the various clients.

Darren Brookes and Gary Corbett, both of Milner Boardman & Partners have been appointed administrators.