THE company which owns Ellesmere Port’s Bridgewater Mill has gone into administration putting hundreds of jobs at risk.
AbitibiBowater announced yesterday that its Bridgewater Paper Company Limited had filed for administration in the UK.
The plant in North Road employs more than 300 people and produces 220,000 tonnes of newsprint a year and sells both UK and Canadian produced paper.
Bosses say they will continue to trade as normal while they try to find a buyer.
Tom Jack, joint administrator Ernst & Young LLP, said: “We are continuing to trade the business as we explore all options, which include looking for a buyer for the business as a going concern.
“We are grateful for the support of all customers, employees and suppliers as we continue to satisfy customer demands.”
AbitibiBowater president and chief executive officer David Paterson added: “We recognise the impact the filing has on our UK employees and business partners, however, these actions were necessary and represent the best course of action going forward.”
Phil Morgan, regional organiser for trade union UNITE, said he hoped that this would only be a ‘temporary setback’ and the union would work tirelessly on behalf of its members.
He said: “This has come out of the blue. We have had initial contact with Ernst &Young and they have told us they will keep us fully informed.
“We will be monitoring the situation closely.”
Derek Bateman, Labour Group leader for Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Andrew Miller MP and myself as a local councillor for Ellesmere Port will do everything we can to ensure the protection of the plant.”
The pulp, paper and lumber producer has a total of about 50 plants in the United States, Canada, the UK and South Korea.
