A REQUEST has been submitted to 'wind-up' Pembroke Dock engineering company Main Port Engineering.

A notice on The Gazette website states that a petition to wind-up the firm was presented on September 5 by the Commissioners for HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

The Western Telegraph attempted to contact the firm for a comment this afternoon, but only reached a recorded message.

The message states: "The company today is under administration. The offices are closed and will open again at 9am Monday morning."

In 2015, the Western Telegraph reported that up to 100 new jobs could be created when the firm's new purpose-built premises in the Haven Waterway Enterprise Zone were up and running.

The expansion followed £1.6m investment by the firm.

Its manufacturing facility on a 5.5 acre site at Warrior Way, Cleddau Reach, opened in March 2016.

It was supported with £650,000 Welsh Government funding from the Economic Growth Fund, which was predicted to create 30 new jobs and safeguard the existing workforce of 155.

Main Port Engineering was formed in November 1990 by managing director David Harris, to provide a complete engineering service to the petrochemical, food process, water treatment, manufacturing and power generation industries.

AWelsh Government spokesman said: "This is an unsettling time for the company, its employees and their families.

"We are keeping a close eye on this situation and are actively considering how we can support affected employees through Welsh Government programmes such as REACT should the company be wound up next week."

Pembrokeshire County Council Deputy Leader, Keith Lewis, said he was shocked at the news.

Councillor 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.”