Darlington councillors reacted to firm collapse as 14 jobs lost

Molson Group, a heavy machinery distributor headquartered in Bristol, entered administration on Friday, November 6, after facing "challenging trading conditions" and "weaker demand" in the UK construction market.

Molson Group's Darlington site. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

The company made 203 staff immediately redundant across 16 UK sites amid its collapse.

Fourteen of those workers were based at its depot on Red Barnes Way in Darlington, leaving employees and their families facing an uncertain future as Christmas approaches.

Cllr Chris McEwan, deputy leader of Darlington Borough Council and cabinet member for economy (Image: Contributor)

Chris McEwan, deputy leader of Darlington Borough Council and cabinet member for economy, said: “It is always sad when a business enters administration and it is important that employees and their families are given the support they need at this very difficult time.”

Cllr Jonathan Dulston, leader of the opposition, described the news as "devastating" for the 14 workers and their families.

Cllr Jonathan Dulston, leader of the opposition (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

He said: “This is devastating news for the 14 workers in Darlington and their families. Losing your job creates enormous uncertainty, particularly with Christmas approaching, and my first thoughts are with everyone affected.

“The immediate priority must be practical support. I want to see the council working urgently with Jobcentre Plus, local employers and the administrators to help those affected access advice, training and new employment opportunities. We should be making every effort to retain their skills in Darlington.

“The administrators have pointed to weakened demand and challenging trading conditions. That should concern anyone who wants to see businesses investing and creating jobs. The Government needs to explain how it intends to restore confidence and support the construction sector, while the council must demonstrate what it is doing locally to support employers and attract investment.

“For these workers, promises about economic growth will mean very little without action. They deserve immediate help and a clear commitment to securing skilled jobs in our town.”

Northern Echo readers also shared their concerns following the announcement, with one saying: "This is just the start! Employment laws are changing and many businesses will suffer as a consequence!"

Another reader expressed concern about the impact on families, commenting: "More jobs lost, More people to face a very uncertain future."

Molson Group was placed into administration after attempts to secure a buyer for its UK operations and assets were unsuccessful.

Molson Group's Darlington site. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Joint administrators Ross Connock, Tom Crookham and Toby Banfield, of PwC UK, said their immediate priority was supporting affected employees through the redundancy process and overseeing an orderly wind-down of the businesses.

Molson's US operations have been preserved through a separate transaction, with shares transferred to newly incorporated Fieldsec Hastings Limited alongside all US employees and a small number of UK staff.

Mr Connock said the sale meant the American operations could continue outside the UK group, preserving jobs there.

Darlington MP Lola McEvoy was contacted for comment but did not respond in time for publication.