Axminster enters administration
Axminster, the iconic carpet brand, has gone into administration with the loss of 300 jobs.
Administrators Duff & Phelps said the company had struggled following a sharp increase in raw material prices, the closure of a loss making subsidiary and a downturn in sales as the carpet sector continues to suffer in the economic downturn.
Founded in 1937, Axminster specialises in the manufacture of woven carpets using traditional techniques and natural materials. The company operates from its head office and manufacturing facilities in Devon and also has two factory outlet stores.
In a statement Duff & Phelps said: “The administrators continue to assess the company’s financial position and explore all potential options to maximise the realisations for the company’s creditors including a sale of the business.
Never Miss a Retail Update!“However, whilst this assessment takes place, the decision has been taken to downscale the carpet manufacturing operations and cease yarn production. Consequently, the joint administrators have had no alternative other than to make approximately 300 employees redundant at the Axminster and Buckfast sites. Some 100 employees have been retained by the administrators.”
The administrators added that Axminster’s factory outlet stores will remain open for business while the company attempts to fulfil existing customer orders “where possible”. The company’s main suppliers are understood to have offered continued support for the business during the administration.
Axminster director Joshua Dutfield, said: “Trading has been difficult and although it saddens the Board to make the decision to enter administration it could not be avoided. The management have been working with key suppliers, creditors and lenders to resolve the company’s financial difficulties and whilst the last few weeks have been stressful, the company managed to pay the wages yesterday.
“We are now committed to working with the administrators to asses all viable options for the future of the business and achieve the best possible outcome for all concerned and most importantly the staff.”
Joint administrator, Benjamin Wiles, added: ““We recognise the importance of the business to the local community and will be seeking to work closely with management and all key stakeholders to restructure the business where possible, including the possibility of selling all or part of the business.”
