Redundancies as Keighley joinery firm to close this week

Oakworth Joinery Ltd, Keighley, which went into administration last Friday, is shutting down this week with the loss of 170 jobs.

Joint administrator John Russell of The P&A Partnership said: “The business has been loss making with a declining order book for some time.  Unfortunately, we have been unable to secure trading terms with Oakworth’s major customer who accounted for almost 75 per cent of orders.

“It is a huge blow to the workforce – many of whom have worked for Oakworth for a number of years.   We will be onsite assisting staff with claim forms for redundancy payments and other entitlements.  Also, we have a special website where we will post up to date information and advice for staff.”

Mr Russell and Chris White were appointed administrators of Oakworth Joinery Ltd on February 3.  The firm was the UK’s largest independent window and door manufacturer and Keighley’s second biggest employer.  Oakworth Joinery was bought from Nobia Holdings UK Ltd in 2010 and has been manufacturing in the town since 1965. 

P&A’s website to help staff is www.insolvency4employees.co.uk

The administrators are now looking to sell Oakworth’s assets, including equipment. 

The P&A Partnership is a leading specialist business turnaround and insolvency firm with offices across the UK and in London.  Their support for businesses includes restructuring, finance brokering, debt collection and selling assets.