Trailer firm calls in receivers

11 February 2000



Trailer firm calls in receivers

By FWi staff

ONE of Britains best-known manufacturers of agricultural trailers has called in the receivers after becoming the latest victim of the farming crisis.

Lincolnshire-based Ken Wootton Ltd suffered reduced demand for trailers, leaving the company heavily reliant on selling to the building and haulage sectors.

Chartered accountants Deloitte & Touche were appointed receivers in an attempt to sell the business as a going concern, so saving as many jobs as possible.

Woottons are the biggest employers in the village of Ancaster, employing 50 workers. However, the number is expected to be reduced as it fights for survival.

The business received an award at the Royal Agricultural Show in 1997 for making an outstanding contribution to agricultural mechanisation.

The award was not just for manufacturing trailers, but for the whole spectrum of their work in agricultural engineering.

Lindsay Denney of Deloitte & Touches Nottingham office, said: “Its present position shows how British agriculture is virtually on its knees.”

Ken Wootton founded his trailer company in 1976. His knowledge and tenacity put Wootons at the forefront of trailer technology, said Mr Denney.

Deloitte & Touche hopes that the future of the firm can be secured and anticipates interest from continental Europe or the USA.