Written Statement - Mainport Engineering Ltd , Pembroke Dock

On 27 October it was announced that Mainport Engineering Ltd (MPE), a high quality structural steelwork business at Pembroke Dock, had entered administration following a winding up order by HM Revenue and Customs.

MPE operated nationally and was a very important employer in West Wales offering highly skilled and well paid jobs. It is very disappointing news for the region, following the closure of Murco Oil Refinery in 2014 who were one of MPE’s main customers.

MPE employed 157 people and unfortunately 69 people have already been made redundant. However, a welcome interim arrangement has been organised between the administrator, Price Waterhouse Coopers, and Valero allowing 84 MPE personnel, including apprentices, to remain at the Valero refinery to provide continuity of service to a business who were a principal customer of MPE. 4 further staff will be retained at the main MPE offices.

Price Waterhouse Coopers has been appointed to try and seek buyers for the site assets, buildings and importantly linked opportunities for the skilled workforce.

MPE was awarded £650,000 from the Welsh Economic Growth Fund in March 2015. The funding was granted to assist with a capital investment of £1,627,000 for a new purpose-built facility in the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone. The terms and conditions linked to this support were fully met at the time by the company.

As a government, we are committed to doing all we can do to help the workforce and their families during this very difficult and uncertain time. We will work closely with Pembrokeshire Council and the administrator to try and find an alternative buyer for the business.

A drop-in session has already been organised for Friday 4 November at the Bridge Innovation Centre in Pembroke Dock for any workers affected by this announcement. The session will be attended by Job Centre Plus, Careers Advisory Service, Business Wales and other local support providers.