Jobs threat as Smethwick firm in administration
The jobs of 17 workers are under threat as administrators are called in at Smethwick manufacturing firm Zero Cases.
The Alpha Park company, which makes aluminium and plastic protective cases for industry, has been hit by trading and funding pressures, compounded by problems at its US parent company.
There have been no initial redundancies and the administrators, from KPMG, are looking at the option of keeping Zero Cases trading in the short term as they seek a buyer.
Chris Pole, director at KPMG and joint administrator, said: "Like many suppliers in the manufacturing industry, Zero Cases has been affected by difficult trading conditions and funding pressures, which recently have been compounded by its US parent and largest supplier and creditor, Zero Manufacturing Inc, entering into Chapter 11. This ultimately resulted in the directors taking the difficult decision to place the UK business into administration.
"We are currently reviewing options for the company, including the option to continue to trade in the short term, while we seek a buyer for the business and its assets.
"We would encourage anybody who may be interested to contact the joint administrators as soon as possible."
