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.”