25 jobs saved as laser cutting firm rescued

Laser Shapes (NW) Ltd, the Blackburn-based precision engineer, has been bought out of administration, saving all 25 jobs.

The business, which specialises in laser cutting, has been acquired by Yorkshire's Metallurgical Processing Limited, part of the ARC Group.

The deal follows an extensive marketing exercise carried out by Dow Schofield Watts Business Recovery LLP during June and July.

All staff have been retained and Metallurgical Processing will continue to occupy the 90,000 sq ft leasehold premises in Witton Mill.

Beth Nutter, managing director of Metallurgical Processing, said: “This is the latest of several acquisitions within the ARC Group. Our management team is committed to the success of the business and will devote much needed turnover, capital and resource to the team.

"New management and ownership of the old Laser Shapes business will make the most of all that was good in the business, and build on the platform left by old management.”

Ben Barrett and John Carpenter of Dow Schofield Watts Business Recovery acted as joint administrators of Laser Shapes.

Ben said: “I am very pleased to have concluded the sale. Whilst there were a number of interested parties, and discussions progressed with several, the sale of the business to a progressive independent manufacturing group has resulted in a positive outcome for its employees.” Dow Schofield Watts were advised by Stuart Beatson and Grahame Love of Taylors Solicitors.