Last minute move saves metal jobs

10:03am Monday 9th June 2008

A GROUP of Bolton metal workers breathed a sigh of relief after learning their jobs are safe.

A last-minute rescue plan from a buyout specialist has saved more than 70 jobs at a sheet metal pressing factory in Hindley Green which employs around 20 Bolton workers.

Indmar Sheet Metal was called into administration earlier this year and employees faced redundancy.

The Kanban Group, an engineering firm, moved in to buy the company in February and has now given a reprieve to staff who were facing the axe.

Indmar was bought out of administration for £250,000 by Kanban, which is run by engineering expert Paul Bell and business turnaround expert Mark Blayney.

It was formerly owned by Bolton businessman Chris Strang, who said he was pleased the jobs of his workers had been saved.

He added: "I could see the company was heading into trouble, so I consulted my advisers and took the step of bringing in Kanban to help save the jobs of my employees."

Nick O'Berg, aged 31, is a foreman at the factory, and lives in Moss Bank Way, Astley Bridge, with his wife and young son.

He said he was relieved to keep his job, as he has just moved house. He said: "I worked for Indmar for eight years, left, but then came back this February. There was no problem at first, but then the company started getting into trouble. It was touch and go whether we were in or out of a job, we didn't know what the future held."

Mr O'Berg, who is one of around 20 employees from Bolton, said Kanban had brought new ideas to the manufacturing process.

He said: "It is still in a transition period, but, as far as I can see, they have brought a lot of changes in, with training to NVQ level. Everybody is happy that their jobs have been saved and the future is looking bright."

Lee Worgan, aged 26, from Westhoughton, said: "Back in February we really feared for our jobs. Indmar was shutting as far as we were concerned, but now it is such a relief that we've still got our jobs."

The firm is setting out to increase output by 50 per cent and boost order books. The new owners have arranged training in business improvement techniques for everyone in the company.

Mr Bell, aged 51, said: "We were delighted to find a motivated, skilled workforce at Indmar, and we have already made great strides in harnessing those strengths to push Kanban Sheet Metal ahead into a new and productive era."

The Kanban group also owns Kanban Supplies, a pressings and fabrication business in Lancaster.

It employs more than 100 people across the two sites, with a growing turnover that at present stands at £3 million.