Staff 'bewildered' as historic textile factory Newman Bonar closes for good

More than 50 staff have been made redundant as an historic Dundee textile factory closes for good.

Newman Bonar, previously known as Bonar Yarns, was saved from closure twice this year, but has now gone into liquidation.

Unite the Union said staff are “bewildered” by the announcement.

“We thought that the last time, would be the last time,” said industrial officer Dougie Orchardson.

“That the company was safe and everything seemed fine.

“Unfortunately it’s not worked out that way, and again these people have been made redundant.

Asked how staff feel about the announcement, Mr Orchardson said one emotion sums up their reaction.

“It’s bewilderment. What they’ve [staff] went through. They’ve obviously got their hopes up.

“Now the site is obviously closed. I don’t know where we go from here.”

Some 57 staff worked at the factory, which produced specialist carpet backing and more recently, materials for sports pitches.

All but four employees have been made redundant, with the remaining staff being kept on until the company officially winds down.

Bosses blame a rise in costs and a failure to renew key contracts.

Interpath Advisory has been appointed as the company’s liquidators.

Chief Executive Blair Nimmo said: “This has been a well-known Dundee business for many years with a strong global reach and it is extremely disappointing for the Company’s many stakeholders, funders and employees that it could not continue to trade viably.”

Fellow liquidator Geoff Jacobs, added: “This is indeed very disappointing for Dundee City to see the closure of a long standing business.

“Our focus will be on supporting the employees affected, and securing and realising the assets of the Company which primarily comprise its name, customer base, stock and plant and machinery.

“Clearly it would be great to see the business continue in some manner and therefore, if any party has an interest in acquiring the business and/or its assets, they should contact the joint provisional liquidators as soon as possible.”

The factory has more than a hundred years of history, based at the city’s Caldrum Works.

Local MP Chris Law, said: “This is deeply sad news for the workers and the local area, particularly given the work since the start of the year by all those in the company to try and keep it viable.

“When I met with the staff earlier this year, I witnessed their passion and commitment first-hand. The drive and enthusiasm to bring the company back from the brink was palpable, and I know that this will only make this news all the more disappointing for those affected. My thoughts are with them all at this difficult time.

“This is a highly-skilled workforce, with a long and established history in our city, and I hope that the administrators investigate all options to keep this company and jobs in Dundee.”