Kidderminster in shock at Sealine collapse
The loss of hundreds of jobs at boat builder Sealine was today labelled 'absolutely heartbreaking' as council bosses and an MP pledged to support workers who have been made redundant.
The firm, which has been trading since 1972, collapsed into administration on Tuesday when redundancy notices were handed out to 234 staff.
Sealine, which manufactures luxury boats from its Kidderminster site in Whitehouse Road, is one of the town's biggest employers.
Two thirds of its workforce have been axed as administrators look to find a buyer for the ailing firm.
Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier today said he was 'devastated' by the news.
"It's absolutely heart-breaking that we have now lost these jobs," he said.
"It's an awful situation for the 234 workers who have been affected."
He said he would be holding a jobs fair in June which the redundant employees would be welcome to attend.
He added that he feared there could be a knock-on effect for other firms in the area. "There will be other businesses out there supporting Sealine that have now lost their biggest customer," Mr Garnier said.
Wyre Forest District Council leader John Campion said: "We will be offering any support we can to the administrators and to the workers by co-ordinating things through the jobcentre and the Department for Work and Pensions. It is a sad blow, but Kidderminster is not down and out."
Kidderminster mayor and ward councillor John Aston added: "It's a terrible blow for the town. I feel very sorry for the people who have lost their jobs."
