Evening Telegraph (First Edition)
‘We’ll help each other search for new work’
Axon Well Intervention Products UK Ltd, based in Arbroath, called in administrators with the loss of 36 jobs.
Hazel Harrison, 28, Laura Napier, 36, Nicola Peal, 36, and Kath Heenan, 43 — all from the town — were made redundant as a result of the collapse of the business.
Speaking at a jobs fair in Dundee, the former colleagues said they had leaned on each other for support since receiving the devastating news — and said that network had helped them deal with the situation.
Kath, a production planner, said: “Getting the news was pretty hard.
“It’s thrown a lot of us in at the deep end, and it’s hard to even know where to start searching for something new.”
She said there were at least five other former colleagues who had made the same decision to start their hunt for new work at the fair, which was held at the Caird Hall yesterday.
Nicola said: “There are plenty of companies here and I think there are lots of jobs out there too.
“We’re all here today to find out what’s out there and so far I’m optimistic. But I do feel a little bit overwhelmed.
“That’s been my overall feeling since it happened — there’s so much to deal with.”
Laura told the Tele: “I find myself being a bit picky and I just don’t know what to do. It’s been hard — the company only went under last week.
“We knew it was coming but it still knocked us back. It helps that we’re in this together and are able to support each other.
“Although we did different jobs and are searching for different opportunities, we can all relate to each other’s worries.”
Axon, which manufactured and supplied equipment to oil and gas companies from its Kirkton Industrial Estate facility, called in joint administrator Gordon MacLure of Johnston Carmichael last Monday.
Mr MacLure said at the time: “Unfortunately Axon is the latest in a string of failures in recent months, thanks to the continuing low oil price environment.
“Axon has had a strong business but has been unable to overcome the difficulties caused by a sustained downturn in customer capital expenditure requirements, which ultimately dictated its flow of orders.
“We’re now seeking buyers for the remaining assets of the business, including equipment and property.”
FORMER employees of a Tayside oil and gas company that went into administration last week have spoken of their despair at being made redundant.