New owners save Andrew Jones Pies from administration
The rescue deal, which took place on May 4, saw the creation of a new company AJ Pies and Pasties, with all 17 jobs saved. The company will trade under the Andrew Jones Pies brand.
The firm got into difficulties after an oven explosion at its Huddersfield pie factory in April 2009 which killed a baker, turnaround expert Mike Mattok of Company Doctor told FoodManufacture.co.uk.
Mattok was brought in in March to try and save the firm. He said: “The legal procedures following the explosion consumed management time as well as the emotional angst caused in a close knit company. There was also a delay in achieving sales contracts.”
New md sought
Mattok recruited a team of investors to buy out the firm, led by Tony Risso-Gill, md of organic food company The Little Big Food Company, backed by Heinz. The administrator was Phil Booth of PR Booth & Co.
“We tried to save the business from going into administration, but the amount of money required to do that made it impossible. We hope to see the company grow in years to come," Mattok said.
The investors are now seeking a new md for the firm, with Andrew Jones retaining a high profile role as sales and marketing controller.
A jury last November returned a verdict of accidental death regarding baker David Cole. An inquest in Bradford heard that gas had built up in the baking chamber of a 30-year-old oven, as staff tried to light it between 10 to 20 times.
