3 days ago
130 staff at engineering firm made redundant after Workington business closes its doors
All staff at a Workington engineering firm have been made redundant immediately after administrators were appointed.
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.
