The Alsager, Cheshire-based producer said it had entered insolvency after a period of difficult trading. It will continue to operate while a buyer is sought for the business.
Matt Dunham of insolvency business Dunham Dean Advisory has been appointed administrator. Dunham and the business’ directors are in negotiations with suppliers and customers to ensure operations continue smoothly during the process.
Dunham said: “Freshpack operates a fully equipped modern factory with a long-standing, skilled workforce and benefits from an established customer network.
Opportunity for buyers
“This provides a great opportunity for another manufacturer to extend their production facilities, develop new product lines and expand into new areas of the market.”
Freshpack hoped a sale of the business would safeguard the jobs of its 68 staff.
Established in 1952, Freshpack supplies a range of pies, ready meals and snack products to frozen food retailers and discount stores, both under the Freshpack brand and as own-label products.
The pie manufacturer was one of a number of businesses in the food and drink industry that has fallen into administration over the past six months.
Curry and sauces manufacturer
Last month, curry and sauces manufacturer Simano Foods appointed administrators after it lost a number of major contracts, resulting in a build-up of trade liabilities. The company was bought out of insolvency, saving 11 jobs at the Wigan-based business.
Meanwhile, in February, meat supplier Russell Hume turned on the Food Standards Agency (FSA) after it had emerged it had entered administration, with directors claiming “impossible trading conditions” following an FSA investigation.
Production across the company’s sites ceased and products were recalled in January following an investigation by the FSA and Food Standards Scotland into allegations of non-compliance with food hygiene regulations.