A historic company has collapsed with the loss of more than a dozen jobs, ending 114 years of manufacturing in the Black Country by the Griffin family.

Griffin Bros (Dudley) called in administrators from Begbies Traynor after the directors decided to cease trading, making all of its 13-strong workforce redundant in the process.

The company was led by the fifth generation of the Griffin family but was hit by the difficult economic climate.

Joint administrators Adrian Graham and Julian Pitts, of the Sheffield office of corporate recovery specialists Begbies Traynor, have been appointed.

Mr Graham said Griffin Bros (Dudley) Ltd had been hit by the difficult economic climate. “There was a downturn in the level of business, squeezed margins and rising debts.”

He said Begbies Traynor had been approached by a number of interested parties.

Based in Wellington Road, Dudley, Griffin Bros had a turnover between £600,000 and £700,000 from manufacturing kegs and drums, bins and containers for industrial use.

Brothers William and Moses Griffin founded the business in Dudley in January 1898.

Mr Graham said: “Given this heritage what has happened is very sad. But it is an opportunity for others to take a good hard look at the operation and consider the possibilities.”

Interested parties contact 0114 268 3336 or email adrian.graham@begbies-traynor.com