Bombshell for workers as firm shuts its doors

No work left: the company buildings

AN OLDHAM firm that managed to fight through the ravages of the Second World War has lost its battle with the recession.

Bosses at Pallets and Packing Cases — formerly The Factory Reconstruction Company — stunned workers by telling them the factory was closing.

Employees at the Bell Street premises are owed at least a week’s wages.

Managing director Tim Daffurn delivered the bombshell to 20 workers — and told staff not to turn up for work next day.

One employee with more than 30 years service said everyone was rocked by the news.

“Everyone was in shock. We just stood there in silence and couldn’t believe it. We were on a three-day week for a few months last year but we were back to normal and had been told things had picked up and there was a big order.

“I’m nearly 60, I rent a house with my son, I’ve got bills to pay, where am I going to find a job at my age? I’ve never been out of work.”

Mr Daffurn bought the pallet and crate-making business from brothers Tim and Bill Mansell several years ago. The Mansell family started it as the Factory Reconstruction Company in 1941 to help rebuild bomb-damaged factories.

Mr Daffurn said: “Everyone has been made redundant, including me. We won a new lump of work recently but we also lost some. Administrators froze the bank account, which is why wages are unpaid.

“It is upsetting for everyone. I have lost everything, including my home.”