Jobs ‘safe’ as top building firm to go on the market

ONE of the best-known names in construction in Northern Ireland which has worked on buildings such as the Obel Tower is set to be sold after the collapse of its parent company.

McMullen Facades in Moira, Co Down, employs around 275 people in making facades for buildings. It was founded by Ted McMullen.

Now its ultimate parent company in England, Gracefold Holdings Ltd — owners of Lakesmere Group Ltd — has gone into administration.

While administrators Deloitte said the firm’s workforce here was safe, it said it is looking at options for the sale of McMullen Facades.

A spokesman said: “McMullen is based in Northern Ireland and will not be subject to the UK insolvency process, and no redundancies are being announced there. McMullen’s main office is in Moira with a factory in Portadown and 275 people are employed across these facilities.

“Deloitte is currently assisting the Lakesmere Group with options around the sale of McMullen as a going concern. McMullen is the UK’s leading specialist facade contractor.”

Richard Hawes, administrator at Deloitte, said: “Lakesmere Limited has experienced financial challenges arising from a number of unprofitable contracts. This has resulted in Lakesmere Limited being placed into administration.

“Unfortunately a number of redundancies have to be made in the UK and we are offering those affected support at this difficult time.” Deloitte said 109 jobs are being lost in England.