Norfolk-based Everett Brothers Engineering placed into administration

Everett Brothers Engineering, which specialises in the design, manufacture and sales of machines linked to vegetable production and processing, has been trading for 38 years.

However a downturn in orders has seen the company, based in Hockwold, near Thetford put up for sale with administrators appointed on February 12.

Founded by Brian and Bernie Everett in 1975, originally to repair agricultural machinery the firm, which employs around 25 specialist engineers, developed a reputation for innovative engineering products including a high-quality carrot handling systems and had customers in France, Australia, and the USA, where it had set up a subsidiary company based in Orlando, Florida, as part of a rapid expansion of the business across the USA.

It had also attended the country’s largest agricultural machinery show at Newark last month, where it said there had been interest in a new range of Agronomic three-row potato planters.

Administrators McTear Williams & Wood are working with the ex-directors to sell the company’s business and assets while trading continues on a limited basis.

Joint administrator Chris McKay said interested parties or investors should contact the joint administrators immediately. “The company has historically had turnover of approximately £2-3m, but recently its orders have simply dried up resulting in cashflow problems,” he said.

Assets include a purpose built 21,584 sq ft factory, which also has a computer-assisted design drawing office.

Eastern Daily Press
23 February 2012