All jobs lost as Fife construction firm James Penman Plant Hire put into liquidation after 50 years

All jobs have been lost at a Fife construction firm as it was put into liquidation in its 50th year of trading.

Thirty five members of staff have been made redundant at family-run James Penman Plant Hire in Kirkcaldy after joint provisional liquidators were appointed on Tuesday, March 5.

The company had been trading since being founded in 1974 by James Penman’s father but struggled to maintain its “financial obligations”.

James and Wendy Penman and Jane Downie are no longer listed as directors on Company House.

Callum Angus Carmichael and Michelle Elliot of business advisory firm FRP Advisory have been appointed as liquidators.

FRP partner Callum Carmichael said: “James Penman struggled to maintain its financial obligations which stemmed from the pandemic and, regrettably, has entered liquidation.

“Our job now is to focus on supporting all staff that have been impacted with their applications to the redundancy payments service as we wind down the remaining business.”

A notice on the plant hire’s website reads: “The affairs, business, and property of James Penman (Plant Hire) Limited the ‘company’ are being managed by Callum Angus Carmichael and Michelle Elliot who were appointed joint provisional liquidators of the company on March 5, 2024.

“The joint provisional liquidators act as agents of the company and without personal liability.”

The company was registered at Lea Rig, Tyrie Farm, near Kirkcaldy.

James Penman Plant Hire have been contacted for comment.