Heavy haulage and storage firm enters administration

One of the leading specialist wind turbine haulage businesses, West of Scotland Heavy Haulage Limited and its associated trading company, West of Scotland Storage Limited, have been placed in administration with Tom MacLennan and Iain Fraser, partners with FRP Advisory LLP, the business advisory firm, appointed joint administrators.

Founded in 1946 and based in Cumbernauld, West of Scotland Heavy Haulage operated one of the largest fleets of specialist heavy haulage trucks, trailers and low loaders in Scotland. West of Scotland Storage Limited was the trading company.

The business had contracts in the renewable, contracting, mining, civil engineering and construction sectors. Turnover was around £11m.

The administration was caused by growing competition, rising costs and unsustainable cash flow problems. The joint administrators have appointed sub-contractors to enable completion of three main contracts. The business has ceased trading with immediate effect, resulting in 21 staff being made redundant, with 2 staff retained to assist with the administration process.

Joint administrator Tom MacLennan, partner with FRP Advisory said: “West of Scotland Heavy Haulage and associated company were long-standing providers of specialist heavy haulage vehicles and services across Scotland. Unfortunately, the businesses could not overcome severe operational and financial problems, and administration was the only option. We will work closely with all agencies including the Redundancy Payments Office to ensure employees receive as much support as possible at this difficult time.”