Bradford based Alatas Engineering bought out of administration

Sale of engineering firm saves 16 jobs

Mechanical engineering company, Alatas Engineering, specialise in the repair and testing of hydraulics. The Bradford-based company was established in 2000 under its original name Micron Precision Engineering.  The business operates from a specialist workshop, and at the time of the administration, the company had an annual turnover of £1.5m.

Following a series of exceptional circumstances the company experienced crippling cash flow issues. As a result of the downturn of the oil and gas industry there was a decline in orders from offshore customers. The company also suffered the loss of a key client who set up as a competitor; this loss was compounded when several key members of staff defected to this newly-formed rival company.

Julian Pitts of Real Business Rescue (part of the Begbies Traynor Group), placed Alatas Engineering into administration on 27 September 2016. Alatas continued to trade while a buyer was located, and a sale negotiated.

Following an accelerated marketing process, a sale of the business and its assets was agreed and subsequently completed on 17 October 2016.  This sale ensured the continuation of the company and in the process safeguarded the jobs of 16 employees.