130 staff at engineering firm made redundant after Workington business closes its doors
Chapel Bank Engineering has been in business for the past 80 years.
Administrators from Leonard Curtis were appointed to Workington Engineering Limited, trading as Chapel Bank Engineering, on 6 June 2025.
The business on Curwen Road, Workington, had been trading since 1939 offering heavy engineering services across many sectors including nuclear, oil and gas, renewables, steelmaking and construction.
The administrators said, following the successful sale of TSP Engineering to Workington Engineering in September2024, the company was able to protect some contracts and was seeking private investment to help the business recover. But "despite the efforts of the management team and advisers that investment was not forthcoming and ultimately the company has had to cease trading".
All 130 staff at the site were made redundant.
UNITE Union is holding a session at the local job centre in Workington is holding an Open Day between 10am and 4pm on Wednesday 11 June 2025 to support affected employees.
Iain Nairn from Leonard Curtis commented: 'Directors at Workington Engineering have been unable to move the business forward since last year and have had no option but to close the doors. It is a very sad day for everyone involved.'
'There have been big challenges in the last few years in the steel sector and the inability of the company to raise investment has caused its closure.'
Workington's MP described the closure as a 'devastating blow'.
Josh MacAllister had arranged a drop-in at Workington job centre next Wednesday (11 June) for the workers affected.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Business News Wales
4 days ago
- Business News Wales
Historic Welsh Gear Manufacturer Ceases Trading After 100 Years
North Wales manufacturing firm Woollacott Gears Ltd has closed after 100 years. Based at Llay Hall Industrial Estate, in Wrexham, Woollacott specialised in the production of precision gears and engineering components. The company was established more than 100 years ago and was recognised for its high-quality manufacturing, with past clients including BAE and other major industrial names. Manchester-based property and asset experts Landwood Group is now overseeing the sale of more than 450 lots of precision engineering machinery following the closure. Following their appointment by Leonard Curtis as Liquidators in late June, Landwood Group's machinery and business assets division is now overseeing the sale of Woollacott's extensive plant and machinery. Jeff Wignall, director at Landwood Group, said: 'It's always sad when a business like Woollacott Gears closes, especially one that's been part of Wrexham's history for more than 100 years. 'It was a well-respected local firm and it's important the sale reflects that. We're handling it with the care and precision it deserves. 'The auction offers a rare chance to get hold of specialist gear cutting machinery and associated equipment at a fraction of the usual cost. With more than 450 lots available, there's something for every business, whether you're upgrading, expanding or entering the gear manufacturing space for the first time. 'Our auctions always attract strong interest and with quality equipment like this in short supply, we're expecting some competitive bidding. It's not one to miss.' The sale includes high-spec CNC gear cutting machines, tooling, and stocks of parts and components, alongside a range of other manufacturing assets. Viewing of all equipment will be available at Llay Hall Industrial Estate, Mold Road, Cefn-y-bedd, Wrexham, LL12 9YG on Wednesday 6 August 2025 from 10am to 4pm. The auction will close from 10am on Monday 11 August 2025. The assets are now live for bidding in an online auction via Bidspotter ( and i-bidder (
The Sun
4 days ago
- The Sun
Beloved UK restaurant chain with 7 locations founded by Wagamama's owner collapses into administration
A BELOVED restaurant chain, which was created by the founder of Wagamama, has collapsed into administration. Busaba Eathai drafted in administrators from Leonard Curtis on July 16, according to filings on Companies House. 1 At its peak, the Thai chain operated 16 restaurants, but this was reduced to 12 following a CVA in 2020. It currently operates seven locations, with six in London and one in Lakeside shopping centre in Essex. These sites are still operating as usual. Over the last few years, the chain launched several new projects to try and cope in the tumultuous restaurant industry post-pandemic. In 2022, they opened an izakaya-inspired bar called Ajia, as well as a new restaurant in Oxford. These didn't last long, closing down in 2023 amidst falling profits. Last year, the restaurant chain announced an overhaul of their Stratford site, as well as a new trial restaurant. They hoped to appeal to younger audiences with a range of small plates and an emphasis on drinks. Busaba's menu includes a range of curries, noodle dishes and grills. What does going into administration mean? WHEN a company enters into administration, all control is passed to an appointed administrator. The administrator has to leverage the company's assets and business to repay creditors any outstanding debts. Once a company enters administration, a "moratorium" is put in place which means no legal action can be taken against it. Administrators write to your creditors and Companies House to say they've been appointed. They try to stop the company from being liquidated (closing down), and if it can't it pays as much of a company's debts from its remaining assets. The administrator has eight weeks to write a statement explaining what they plan to do to move the business forward. This must be sent to creditors, employees and Companies House and invite them to approve or amend the plans at a meeting. A Notice of Intention is used to inform concerning parties that a company intends to enter administration. It is a physical document which is submitted to court, usually by directors aiming to prevent a company from being liquidated. Like with a standard administration process, a Notice of Intention stops creditors from taking out any legal action over a company while they try and rectify the business.
North Wales Live
5 days ago
- North Wales Live
Liquidators appointed as North Wales firm stops trading after 100 years
Liquidators have been appointed to a North Wales business that has ceased trading. Woollacott Gears Ltd was a 100-year-old business based at Llay Hall Industrial Estate, in Wrexham. They specialised in the production of precision gears and engineering components. The firm was recognised for its high-quality manufacturing, with past clients including BAE and other major industrial names. But Leonard Curtis have now been appointed as liquidators. A statement of affairs shows that their assets are expected to realise just over £70,000. But the company have debts and liabilities of over £350K. Landwood Group is now overseeing the sale of Woollacott's extensive plant and machinery. There are more than 450 lots of precision engineering machinery following the closure. Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Jeff Wignall, director at Landwood Group, said: 'It's always sad when a business like Woollacott Gears closes, especially one that's been part of Wrexham's history for more than 100 years. It was a well-respected local firm and it's important the sale reflects that. We're handling it with the care and precision it deserves. 'The auction offers a rare chance to get hold of specialist gear cutting machinery and associated equipment at a fraction of the usual cost. With more than 450 lots available, there's something for every business, whether you're upgrading, expanding or entering the gear manufacturing space for the first time. "Our auctions always attract strong interest and with quality equipment like this in short supply, we're expecting some competitive bidding. It's not one to miss.' The sale includes high-spec CNC gear cutting machines, tooling, and stocks of parts and components, alongside a range of other manufacturing assets. Viewing of all equipment will be available at Llay Hall Industrial Estate, Mold Road, Cefn-y-bedd, Wrexham, LL12 9YG on Wednesday 6 August 2025 from 10am to 4pm. The auction will close from 10am on Monday 11 August 2025. The assets are now live for bidding in an online auction via Bidspotter.
