200-year-old engineering firm collapses

A HISTORIC Birmingham company whose roots date back more than 200 years has gone into administration.

Sutton Coldfield-based Lloyds British Testing, which inspects and repairs lifting equipment, has been hit by a combination of falling revenues and cost pressures.

Administrators said this was down to factors like the decline in overseas markets and oil and gas price volatility, and also internal issues including the cost of consolidating and restructuring UK operations.

Financial services firm PwC is now handling its affairs and continuing to trade the company as administrators seek a new buyer.

Lloyds British Testing operates from 12 sites across the country and employs around 200 staff.

In addition to its main testing operation, it manufactures lifting equipment, provides training services and sells spare parts.

Joint administrator David Baxendale said: “We are continuing to trade the business as normal while discussions take place with interested parties around a sale.

“We are working closely with the company employees, customers and suppliers as we seek to achieve a successful outcome for all stakeholders.”

Lloyds British Testing can trace its birth back to 1812 when Staffordshire Public Chain & Anchor Testing Co. was formed by formed by the Association of Wrought Iron Chain Manufacturers to standardise the quality of production of chains and anchors.

Lloyds Register of Shipping supplied a superintendent who had the authority of works manager.