Steelwork firm collapses under mounting losses

Rossendale-based structural steelwork specialist James Killelea & Co is set to enter administration after two years of significant losses.

The family firm was launched in 1970 and employed almost 100 staff. Its structural engineering services including 3D building design, structural steel fabrication and erection.

But despite a string of large contract wins, including £3.7m contract to supply and erect 2,450 tonnes of steelwork for a multistorey car park at Luton Airport, the company's income declined and losses grew across consecutive years.

Revenues were £22.7m for 2021, but fell to £11.4m a year later. This saw a pre-tax loss of £434,000 increase to £772,000.

A notice of intention to appoint administrators was posted on Friday, 13 October.