HEAVY machinery firm Hewden, which has a site in Appleton, has collapsed into administration.

Nineteen employees at the Appleton site, on Lyncastle Way, have been made redundant.

Figures from Ernst & Young’s (EY) restructuring team have been appointed administrators of Hewden Stuart Ltd, Hewden Properties Ltd, Interlift Ltd and The Rigging House Ltd.

Three divisions of the group and the brand name have been sold to Ashtead Plant Hire Company Ltd for £29 million.

A total of 251 people were made redundant across the company’s depot and on-site locations, with 133 employees set to transfer across with the businesses.

There are 34 people employed at the Appleton site, on Lyncastle Way.

One has transferred to the new company, with 19 made redundant.

Employees affected by redundancy are being offered ‘appropriate advice and support’.

Sam Woodward, joint administrator of the group, said: “Management has been attempting to operationally reshape the business to focus on higher margin and quicker returning assets and services.

“However, this has proven challenging with the group’s capital structure and the recent trading environment.

“Management recently undertook a number of initiatives including approaching new funders and potential acquirers to recapitalise the business but unfortunately these efforts proved unsuccessful.

“We are assessing the optimum strategy for maximising value in the remainder of the group.

“In the meantime we will continue to work with stakeholders to maintain service levels to customers who have assets on hire.

“It is with regret that 251 people have been made redundant.

“Our specialist team will work with those affected to help them claim outstanding wages and other payments due from the redundancy payments office.”

The administrators are being advised by Addleshaw Goddard.