Another 70 out of work in Moate

A receiver has been appointed to one of the region's most prominent structural engineering companies, leaving more than 70 staff out of work. Andrew Mannion Structural Engineers, based on the Clara Road in Moate, was regarded as the country's largest independent structural steel fabricator. A message on its website reads: "It is with regret that the directors wish to announce that on the 30th July 2010 Farrell Grant Sparks were appointed as receiver and manager over the company by Ulster Bank Ireland Limited." In total, 71 staff were employed by the business. It's understood that a liquidator was appointed to one aspect of the company, Andrew Mannion Erection Ltd, which employed 11 people. Farrell Grant Sparks (FGS) is now acting as receiver and manager for two other elements of the business, Andrew Mannion Engineering Ltd and Andrew Mannion Structural Engineers Ltd, which employed 60 people in total. The receivership process means the company has currently ceased trading and its staff have been made redundant. However, Derek Scanlon of FGS Longford stated yesterday (Tuesday) that the receiver is "actively looking for purchasers of the business and assets which would allow it to continue as a going concern." Should such investment fail to materialise, a break-up of the company is likely to begin, resulting in the selling-off of assets. The general downturn in the construction sector is thought to be the main factor which has brought the company to the receivership stage. Over the years Andrew Mannion Structural Engineers has been involved in a number of high-profile engineering projects, such as the new Croke Park stadium, GMIT, the Dublin Port Tunnel, the M1 toll plaza, Cork Airport, The Wineport Lodge, Glasson Golf Club, Hodson Bay Hotel and the Mater Hospital. Its premises in Moate was expanded in 2006, and this extension to the office and workshop was officially opened by the then Taoiseach Bertie Ahern. The expanded facility increased its production output to over 18,000 tonnes and created 35 new jobs at the time. In addition to its local base, the company operated offices in the UK. Its founder, Andrew Mannion, died last September. Mr Mannion, who lived at Garnafailagh, Athlone, established the company in 1988.