Carmarthenshire County Council has taken over two development projects after Llanelli-based firm WRW Construction confirmed it is going into administration.
The family-owned and run firm is expected to go into administration later this week after coming under what it said was “significant financial stress’.
As a result the council has taken on the Pendine attractor tourism project and an affordable homes scheme in Dylan, Llanelli.
Leader of the council Emlyn Dole said: “This is unfortunate news which will no doubt impact on local employees and sub-contractors. WRW Construction has worked with us to develop several major schemes over many years, including schools and homes, and we are sorry to hear of its collapse.
“Our immediate focus has been to secure two major development sites currently under way - the Pendine attractor project and an affordable homes scheme in Dylan, Llanelli. We are currently gathering information and providing practical support to assist sub-contractors who are involved in the work at both of these sites.
“As with all major projects, contingency arrangements are in place. As such we are confident that we can resume work to continue the delivery of both of these major projects in the near future, although this will inevitably lead to some delay and extra costs, which will need to assessed. We will provide further updates in due course.”
He added: “Whilst we understand the circumstances of WRW Construction’s collapse are unrelated to these issues we will nevertheless implement these measures to mitigate the impact of this situation.
“We have already mobilised business support officers from our economic development team to provide advice and information to those affected. We will also accelerate a range of employment opportunities within the authority that may provide suitable alternative employment for people with transferrable skills, and will work with our partners to identify and promote other relevant training and job opportunities.
“This is a sad situation for all those involved, but we will do everything we can to support all those affected.”
WRW has a range of projects across the UK. Administrators, when appointed, with look to find other construction firms to take them on.
Alternative lender Thincats provided a multi-million pound funding line to WRW in 2019, secured against the firm’s property and other assets.
