Century-Old UK Manufacturer Enters Administration with Over 100 Job Losses
A historic UK manufacturer with a century of trading has collapsed into administration, leading to the loss of 114 jobs. The business, CF Booth Ltd, which operated as a scrap merchant specialising in vehicle disposal and metal recycling, has ceased operations at its Rotherham site this month.
Immediate Impact on Workforce and Operations
The administration process has resulted in 114 staff members being made redundant, while 54 employees have been retained temporarily to assist with potential sale efforts. Operations at the Rotherham facility have now halted completely as administrators explore options for selling the business.
James Lumb, managing director at Interpath, the appointed administrator, commented on the company's significant heritage and recent challenges. "CF Booth has a long and storied heritage in South Yorkshire, not least for its role as one the largest rolling stock recyclers in the country," he said.
Factors Behind the Collapse
Several factors contributed to the company's financial difficulties:
- The death of long-time owner Ken Booth created leadership uncertainty
- A dramatic surge in copper prices severely impacted the company as one of the UK's largest copper-based product manufacturers
- Broader economic headwinds placed unsustainable pressure on cashflow
- Increased regulatory costs including National Living Wage hikes, environmental legislation compliance, VAT obligations and HSE penalties
The company, originally founded in 1920 by Clarence Frederick Booth, began by disposing of redundant railway stock, particularly steam locomotives, before expanding into broader metal recycling and manufacturing.
Administration Process and Future Prospects
According to administrators, directors explored various options including sale and reinvestment opportunities before making the difficult decision to file a Notice of Intention to Appoint Administrators. With no solvent outcomes available, the administration became inevitable.
A statement from the administrators confirmed that while operations have ceased, efforts continue to explore potential sale options for what remains of the business. The retained staff will assist with this process in the short term.
This collapse represents a significant loss to the UK manufacturing sector and the local Rotherham economy, marking the end of a century-old business that played an important role in railway stock recycling and metal manufacturing.
