AN ENGINEERING company in Deeside is going into liquidation.

DRB Group, based on Deeside Industrial Estate, has closed down. It was established in 1976 and employed around 120 staff. 

Business recovery and insolvency firm Leonard Curtis has confirmed the firm is being placed into a Creditors Voluntary Liquidation.

A spokesperson for the company said: "The director has engaged Leonard Curtis to assist with placing DRB Group Limited into Creditors Voluntary Liquidation. Unfortunately, as part of the process the company’s activities are being wound down.

"All relevant stakeholders have been or will be contacted directly. However, should any parties with an interest require any further information then please contact info@leonardcurtis.co.uk."

Flintshire Council has said it is ""working with partners to support and find alternative employment" for the workers affected.

It comes after recent news that 240 jobs could be lost at the Iceland warehouse distribution hub in Deeside. 

Senedd member for Alyn and Deeside Jack Sargeant, who was an apprentice at DRB Group, said: "Sad news emerging from DRB Group. I met some excellent engineers and friends from my time there and always had a warm welcome when returning.

"I have asked the Welsh Government to intervene and provide support where they can. For those living in Wales, the ReAct+ program may be able to help you with your next steps."

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A Welsh Government spokesperson said: “This is extremely disappointing news. We are doing all we can, working with other relevant agencies, to offer any support we can to the workforce.

“Welsh Government officials and representatives from Flintshire County Council have requested a meeting with the liquidators of DRB Group Ltd in order to gain a clearer understanding as to what occurred at the company.”

Mark Tami, MP for Alyn and Deeside, said: "I remain concerned about the news emerging regarding DRB group. The site has provided highly skilled jobs and good quality apprentice placements in the local area.

"I am glad that the Welsh Government has confirmed its support at this time and I will continue to work to secure investment into the area as a matter of urgency. I would encourage anyone impacted by this to speak to their trade union or contact my office and I will do all I can to help."

Askar Sheibani, chair of the Deeside Business Forum, said it was a "huge blow" for the area. 

"Once these types of organisations go, they aren't coming back," he said.

"So many skilled jobs have been lost. I think the Welsh Government should have intervened to save the company. If this was in Germany, a company like DRB Group would definitely have been saved by government intervention."

Flintshire’s Chief Officer for Planning, Environment and Economy, Andrew Farrow, said: “The council was disappointed to hear of the closure of DRB Group. DRB Group is a company that the council has worked closely with over the years and it played an important role in the local economy.

“We are actively working with partners to support and find alternative employment for the workers affected by this closure. We are engaging other companies in the area to encourage them to offer opportunities to displaced DRB staff and, although it is still early in the process, we are hopeful that this approach will help many of the staff to find new employment.”