A BRADFORD MP has raised concerns about more jobs being at risk in the area - after a city company called in administrators.
As reported by the Telegraph & Argus on Tuesday, Vehicle Conversion Specialists Limited (VCS) - which has a factory on Staithgate Lane, Bradford - has entered administration.
The business, which manufactures ambulances and police vehicles, announced just earlier this year that it was creating 150 jobs in Bradford.
At the time, Frank Barrett, CEO at VCS's parent company, WN Vtech, said: "Our recent growth and expansion are a testament to the dedication and continuous innovation of our teams across the group.
"We are thrilled to welcome our new hires, and to move VCS into its new facility. The new site will ensure we continue to deliver world-class emergency vehicles to our customers in the UK and beyond, and I’m personally incredibly proud of the opportunities for skills training it will provide."
Minibus manufacturer Treka Bus Limited, based on Armytage Road Industrial Estate in Brighouse, is also in administration, along with WN Vtech Holdings.
Judith Cummins, Labour MP for Bradford South, told the T&A today: "This news of more jobs at risk is bad news for Bradford.
"VCS's establishment of the largest dedicated ambulance and police vehicle factory in the country here in Bradford this year was a huge boon to the local economy, creating 150 jobs, and I hope administrators are able to preserve as many of these as possible."
Ms Cummins added: "This (news about VCS) is the latest blow in what has been a very tough year for manufacturing in Bradford, and highlights the immense challenges that businesses are facing up and down the country.
"The Government's plan to grow the economy is clearly failing and it is working people who are paying the price."
In response, a Department for Business and Trade spokesperson said: "While this is a commercial decision for the company, we understand that this will be a concerning time for workers.
"Last week, we announced £4.5 billion in funding for British advanced manufacturing, including £2 billion of funding for zero-emission vehicle manufacturing to 2030, which will help to create jobs and grow our economy."
It is understood the WN Vtech group of companies - including VCS and Treka Bus - will continue to trade while administrators from insolvency firm Teneo seek to find a solution.
The T&A asked Teneo and Rutland Partners, owner of the WN Vtech group, for more information - including why administrators had been appointed - but did not receive a response.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article