Chris Ratten and Gareth Harris of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP were appointed Joint Administrators of Thomas Storey Fabrications Group Limited (‘the Company’) on 5 June 2025 and have secured the sale of the business and its assets in a pre-pack administration sale.
Chris Ratten and Gareth Harris of RSM UK Restructuring Advisory LLP were appointed Joint Administrators of Thomas Storey Fabrications Group Limited (‘the Company’) on 5 June 2025 and have secured the sale of the business and its assets in a pre-pack administration sale.
Based in Openshaw, Manchester, the Company has an established history as the original manufacturer of the Bailey bridge system used by Allied forces throughout the Second World War. It has now been manufacturing fabricated steel products for almost 100 years, most recently supplying a varied blue-chip customer base specialising in construction, refuse collection, trucks and trailers, and agriculture.
RSM UK were appointed administrators following financial issues caused by the compounded impact of market pressures, resulting from customer withdrawals from the UK market, supply chain challenges, and mounting overhead base.
The trading business and assets of the Company were sold to Thomas Storey Fabrication Limited, part of the TAL Engineering Group, having conducted a thorough marketing process. The business employs over 110 staff, and all jobs have been saved as part of the sale.
Chris Ratten, RSM UK restructuring advisory partner and Joint Administrator, said:
“Global market volatility and a shift in key customer focus, supply chain challenges, and other pressures beyond Thomas Storey’s control have unfortunately resulted in the Company suffering financial strain over recent months. In what was a particularly time-pressured situation, we are delighted to have helped to achieve a sale of the business, allowing it to continue servicing its customers and, most importantly, to preserve employment for all staff.
“We are grateful to management, staff and wider stakeholders for their patience and support, and for enabling the protection of vital manufacturing capabilities in the North West.”
Dave Brindle of TAL Engineering, said:
“The TAL Group backed by Baaj Capital funding are delighted to have secured the future of the Thomas Storey Business and its highly skilled and committed team. As part of our acquisition strategy, we are committed to saving and developing excellent UK engineering companies. We thank the RSM team for their professionalism throughout this process.”