Jobs at risk as Sudbury silk factory repossessed
Staff were locked out of the Vanners Silk building today.
There's more uncertainty for staff at an historic Sudbury silk factory after the buildings were repossessed.
Workers weren't able to get into the Vanners Silk site earlier today. The firm dates back to 1740 and has been a big part of the town's weaving heritage.
However the company recently fell into financial difficulty and fell into administration in late 2020.
It was then bought by local businessman Roger Gawn, who retained around 30 staff at the site off Weavers Lane.
Last year, he said he was in talks to buy the factory site from its previous owners.
However administrators have now stepped in, meaning the site could be sold off and staff could lose their jobs.
In a statement, South Suffolk MP James Cartlidge said:
“The fact that the Vanners factory site has been repossessed by its administrators will be news that brings mixed emotions to many with an interest in this historic Sudbury business.
"This is particularly true of former staff who are in dispute with Roger Gawn, who took over the company on Christmas Eve 2020, given allegations of wages not being paid etc. I have particular sympathy for staff still retained on site who now face further uncertainty.
"Indeed, I have personally had to deal with significant constituency casework arising from such matters, and have huge sympathy with everyone who has been detrimentally affected by events at the factory.
"Ultimately, whilst it is inevitably sad to hear of such a well known Sudbury silk firm being the subject to this kind of action, we at least have greater likelihood of an outcome for the site that moves it forward in one way or another.
"We clearly have to be realistic about the chances of the site remaining a viable commercial entity in these circumstances, but this does not mean some kind of positive outcome for the town as a whole cannot be forthcoming, and is perhaps now more likely following the decision of the administrator to take possession from Mr Gawn.”