Jobs saved at Wolverhampton poultry plant

Recovery specialists Begbies Traynor handled the sale of ANA Food Packaging, in Latherford Close, Wolverhampton, which had been trading since 2011.

It had run into trouble through a combination of tough trading conditions and increased competition.

The administrators say the directors of the business – sold to ANA Poultry Services – will continue to play a role in running the business.

Begbies Traynor were called in on January 7 and the sale out of administration secures the jobs of the 22 staff based at the plant as well as ensuring that existing customers will continue to be serviced.

Nigel Price, partner at Begbies Traynor's Birmingham office, managed the sale. He said: "The company had been facing tough trading conditions together with increased competition, and it was therefore apparent very quickly that administration and a subsequent sale was the best course of action.

"Doing this speedily and efficiently ensured that the business continued to trade, that existing customers continued to receive their service and that the jobs of the 22 staff were preserved. If we hadn't acted quickly and secured the sale, it's probable those jobs would have been lost.

"There were some obstacles to overcome but, working together with the directors, we were pleased to achieved a sale, saving the business and ensuring the staff retained their jobs, it has been satisfying to be able to achieve this."

Martin Finn, director of ANA Poultry Services, said: "The company is now in the hands of a strong management team and has potential to supply a growing retail sector in halal meat and poultry.

"We are very pleased to have secured 22 jobs in the economic climate and feel confident that with the present workforce and good management team - and also the restructuring of the business – we will see strong growth in the future."