ONE hundred workers have lost their jobs after a glass and building materials manufacturer went into receivership.

Staff at Vetroprint Limited, in Spennymoor, County Durham, were "shocked and stunned" after being told on Thursday lunchtime that the company was closing with immediate effect.

An employee told The Northern Echo that workers arriving for the nightshift at the factory, on Merrington Lane Trading Estate, found the doors locked.

The man, who asked not to be named, said: "There was no warning. The 6am-to-2pm shift was called in and sent home.

"The nightshift weren't told at all. They turned up for 10pm and found the doors locked. Nobody told them anything.

"It is heartless. It is the worst possible time. It is coming up to Christmas and the lads don't know if there is any money coming."

It is understood that staff have been told they would not receive this week's wages.

A meeting was held yesterday between Vetroprint, receiver Martin Buttriss, of FA Simms and Partners, and Jeff Moorland, of the Amicus Union.

Davey Hall, regional secretary of Amicus, said: "Workers knew nothing about it - they were absolutely shocked and stunned."

Amicus has also been in contact with Bishop Auckland MP Helen Goodman.

She said last night: "I am very concerned about this. I have spoken to the trade union and they are looking into all the issues about employee entitlements. On Monday, I will raise these matters with the minister."

Graham Wood, regeneration manager at Sedgefield Borough Council, said: "We are looking to do anything we can to help."

Vetroprint was taken over by Leicester-based glass company Mawby and King about five years ago.

The company supplies the glass for oven doors made by manufacturer Electrolux, also in Spennymoor.

There was no one available for comment at Vetroprint or Mawby and King yesterday.