Following the announcement last week of a major contractor being in technical administration, the company has now been named as M & J Haulage based near Lincoln.

KMPG have been appointed administrators saying that it was “reduced contract volumes”  that have resulted in cash flow pressures.

The company ,founded in 1998, by Mark Popplewell, employs 24 full time workers whose jobs are believed to be at risk.

Operations on site have been suspended and all employees have been sent home while the joint administrators Chris Pole and Mark Orton at KPMG assess the options available.

Paul Kenward, Managing Director, British Sugar responded by saying that:

“We have done everything we can to support M&J Haulage. I’m very sorry to hear this news and our thoughts are with the employees and their families impacted by the sad announcement.

“We have contingency plans in place, which will be confined largely to the Newark factory area.  We have identified other contractors to step into contracts to make sure that beet is lifted and hauled.  We do not anticipate any significant delays, but if any grower is concerned, they should speak to their area manager or call the British Sugar helpline on 0870 240 2314”.

NFU Sugar chairman Michael Sly said last week that:

“NFU Sugar is saddened and disappointed to learn that a significant contractor – a pioneer in self grown and the industry harvesting and haulage scheme – has gone into technical administration.

“The business is highly regarded by growers for its professionalism and the service it has offered – and it is therefore unfortunate that a commercial solution has not been found to date.

“There is a possibility that this may impact on the current campaign”.

Any grower who may be affected should contact the NFU Sugar Helpline on 03700 661 974.