Dozens face redundancy at Shropshire CD manufacturers
Dozens of workers at a Shropshire business that manufactures CDs for the X-Factor were today facing redundancy.
Sound Performance Manufacturing now looks set to plunge into liquidation.
Around 40 staff were told their jobs were set to go just days after they had helped produce the ITV show's winner's single.
The shock announcement by management came at Christmas, as Ben Haenow's single Something I Need topped the festive charts.
Sound Performance Manufacturing, based at Telford's Halesfield Trading Estate, manufactures CDs, DVDs, cassettes and vinyl, with key customers including the X-Factor, Sony and EMI.
As recently as 2012 it employed more than 90 workers, but is now understood to be closer to 40.
One worker, who did not wish to be named, said that staff members were told of the news by factory bosses and sent home immediately.
"They held a meeting in the factory, at which they said it would be very likely that the factory would shut down due to its financial struggles," the worker said.
"People were told to collect their personal belongings and leave the factory immediately. Everybody is really angry about the way it has been done.
"We are all looking for work now, but some people are too shocked, and are saying they can't believe that the work that they have done for years has just gone. For some people it's their first and only job."
The company is based in Greenwich, alongside a sister company in the capital involved in marketing the products, which the worker says is expected to continue trading.
Director Chris Marksberry has written to workers informing them of the redundancy, which came into force yesterday.
In the letter, he says: "The company, due to its financial position, is unable to continue operations and your employment will cease.
"This is due to a decline in business which has resulted in the company having to cease trading."
He has also contacted financial experts BDO about the move to place the company in liquidation, although that process will not officially begin until next week at the earliest.
BDO spokesman Emma Germain said: "BDO has been contacted by the directors and asked to assist, as they are considering placing Sound Performance Limited in liquidation. The company is not currently in liquidation."
Mr Marksberry was unavailable for comment.
