Pembrokeshire County Council’s Deputy Leader, has said that he was shocked at the news that a Pembroke Dock based engineering company faces an uncertain future, after it was presented with a ‘winding up’ petition.

An advertisement has appeared in the London Gazette this week stating that the firm Main Port Engineering, based at located at Warrior Way, Llanion, has been presented with a winding up petition by HM Revenue and Customs for unpaid tax bills, with the case for liquidation to be heard at The Royal Courts of Justice, London on Monday, October 31.

Commenting on the news, PCC’s deputy leader, Clr. Keith Lewis, who is also the Authority’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Communities, said: “This is a devastating announcement, right out of the blue and of course we are particularly concerned for the workers of Main Port Engineering and their families who are the ones worst affected by this news.

“Main Port provided good quality employment and were important in underpinning the skills base which provided support to international installations not only around the Milford Haven waterway but throughout the UK

“As the local authority we will be liaising with other public bodies and organisations – such as Welsh Government and Jobcentre Plus – to offer as much assistance, and advice as possible to the company’s employees,” he added.

Formed in 1990, Main Port Engineering, provides services to the petro chemical, food process, water treatment, manufacturing and power generation industries.

Earlier this year, Main Port Engineering’s new £1.8m purpose designed facility on the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone was officially opened by Economy Minister Edwina Hart.

The investment was supported with £650,000 from the Welsh Government’s Economic Growth Fund to create 30 jobs and safeguard the current workforce of 155.