News

Pembroke Dock: Jobs uncertainty as engineering firm faces liquidation

Published

8 years ago

October 27, 2016

A LOCAL engineering firm, which recently received hundreds of thousands of pounds in support from the Welsh Government, has been presented with a winding up petition by HMRC for unpaid tax bills.

Mainport Engineering (1990) Limited which was served with the legal documents last month, but now has until 31st October to settle its debt, apply for an adjournment in court or be sent into receivership.

The Pembroke Dock based company, which has been trading since 1990, provides engineering services to the petro chemical, food processing, water treatment, manufacturing and power generation industries.

It is a major employer in the area, with official company accounts stating the average number of employees last year was 247 people, up from 224 in 2014.

The case for liquidation will be heard at The Royal Courts of Justice, London on Monday at 10.30am.

An advertisement has been placed in the London Gazette stating that any persons ‘intending to appear on the hearing of the Petition must give notice of intention to do so to the Petitioners or their solicitor by 4pm on October 28.’

The advertising of the winding up petition marks a dramatic turn of events for the Pembroke Dock based firm, which had a turnover of over £13m in year end 31 March 2015.
In June last year Mainport Engineering hit the headlines, announcing that 100 new jobs were to be created with the £1.6m expansion of the firm.

In March this year, Main Port Engineering’s new £1.8m purpose designed facility on the Haven Waterway Enterprise was officially opened by the Economy Minister.
The investment in the new facility was supported by £650,000 from the Welsh Government’s Economic Growth Fund

Speaking at the official launch, Edwina Hart said: “This is a significant investment by Main Port Engineering and it’s good news to hear that the new fabrication hall will expand their capacity and extend their capability.”

Main Port director Jeff Harries at the time added: “The new facility is an important milestone for Main Port Engineering and a sign of our confidence in the business’ future. It has already created a lot of interest from our existing clients as well as potential new customers.

“Support from the Welsh Government was pivotal as we would not have gone ahead without this funding. We are all very grateful for this help and look forward to growing the business and creating more job opportunities in the area.”

The company is directed by Alan Harries of Orielton, Pembroke and Adrian Harris of Pennar Point , Pembroke Dock. Both are also major shareholders.

A third major shareholder is Paul Muxworthy.

Welsh government support helped to create 30 new jobs and safeguard a further 155.

The employees’ futures are now uncertain, as the firm wrestles to stay afloat.

The company contributes over £10m in wages per annum into the local economy.

The Herald contacted Mainport Engineering who said they were “busy in meetings, and unable to comment at the present time.”

Charity

Letterston dog show raises over £750 for local charities

Published

17 mins ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

ON SUNDAY (Dec 22), Letterston Ring Craft successfully raised £755.55 for two Pembrokeshire-based charities during a fun dog show event. The funds were equally split between South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue and Letterston Memorial Hall.

The event featured a variety of well-attended classes, including child handling and fancy dress, drawing participation from dog enthusiasts of all levels.

This fundraiser marked the first charitable event supporting South Pembrokeshire Cat Rescue. Founded and managed by Lizzy Austwick, the rescue organisation aids unwanted, feral, and sick cats across Pembrokeshire and responds to urgent cases in Carmarthenshire and Ceredigion. The rescue provides neutering support for stray and feral cats, directs owners to available resources, and specialises in helping stray cats with severe injuries, raising essential funds for their care.

For assistance, Lizzy can be contacted via the rescue’s Facebook page or at 07575 131443.

Letterston Ring Craft welcomes new members interested in training and showing their dogs, from local companion shows to prestigious events like Crufts. The club meets every other Sunday in Letterston, and further details can be found on their Facebook page.

Looking ahead, the next fun dog show is scheduled for early next year and will support Belle’s Story Charity. For more information or to get involved, contact Gentle Lowe at 07956 653401.

Charity

£3,800 donated to services across Withybush Hospital

Published

2 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

THE CAMROSE VINTAGE WORKING DAY team has donated £3,800 to services across Withybush Hospital.

Their 37^th annual event raised a record breaking £25,000, which has now been distributed among 26 local charities.

They donated the funds to the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit and Heads Up! Hair Loss Initiative at Withybush Hospital. Each service received £950.

The Heads Up! initiative provides a person-centred, holistic hair loss service for cancer patients. It brings together healthcare and haircare professionals from local communities to give patients the knowledge and products needed to manage their hair loss with dignity and choice.

Katie Hancock, Fundraising Officer, said: “Thank you to Andrew, the team and the supporters of the Camrose Vintage Working Day for your generosity once again. Your donation to each service is amazing and will make a big difference. We are hugely grateful for your wonderful support.

“The support of our local communities enables us to provide services over and above what the NHS can provide in the three counties of Hywel Dda and we are extremely grateful for every donation we receive.”

Pictured above: Andrew James, Chairman of Camrose Vintage Working Day with Withybush Hospital staff from the Stroke Ward, Specialist Respiratory Team, Chemo Day Unit, Heads Up! Hair Loss initiative.

Community

Neyland Community Christmas Lunch a festive success

Published

3 hours ago

December 25, 2024

Tom Sinclair

NEYLAND TOWN COUNCIL rolled up their sleeves to support this year’s Community Christmas Lunch, spreading festive cheer and warm hospitality to attendees on Christmas Day at the Alumchine.

Councillors Steve Campodonic, David Devauden, Steve Thomas, and Brian Rothero began their efforts as early as 7:30am, working tirelessly to ensure the event ran smoothly.

The dedicated organisers, including Trish Campodonic, Pam, and Lloyd Hamilton, along with other volunteers, created a welcoming space filled with festive spirit and a delicious meal with all the trimmings.

The event brought together members of the community who might otherwise have spent the day alone, highlighting the warmth and generosity that Neyland is known for.