UK company that supplies car parts plunges into administration
A UK manufacturing company that makes car parts has plunged into administration.
WCM Europe Ltd specialises in engineering and producing plastic components and automotive systems and is based in Basildon, Essex.
On its website, the company says it works with global brands and describes its business as "engineering and manufacturing to produce automotive solutions".
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WCM Europe has appointed administrators from Interpath Advisory to handle the process. No further details have been released about why the company has collapsed.
It also remains unclear how many employees may be affected by the administration or whether operations at the Basildon site will continue.
According to a notice published in The London Gazette, Interpath Advisory was appointed a joint administrator on March 4, 2026.
The administration process places control of the company in the hands of insolvency practitioners. They will then explore options including restructuring, a sale of the company or its assets, or closure if a rescue proves impossible.
WCM Europe was established in 1948 and was originally called WCM Patterns Ltd. In 2017, the company expanded its Basildon production space by 50% for clean assembly, painting and stores.
In more business news, it was this week revealed that removals company Johnsons 1871 has entered administration.
Johnsons 1871 is based in Northwich and offers home removals, storage facilities, office relocations and cleaning services.
The family-owned business was founded in 1871 by Joseph Johnson, who used a fleet of horses and carts to deliver coal in the winter and help people move homes in Cheshire during the summer.
Before entering the removals trade, he first dealt in glass, china and earthenware in Northwich.
Johnsons 1871's website states: "We’ve been providing relocation services for individuals and businesses as far back as 1871 and exist to provide you with an incredible experience, every time.
"Average is not an option for us, and since Joseph Johnson's first venture in 1871, we have striven to personify our brand values of care, integrity and respect."
The company describes itself as the "complete moving, project management and installation partner", saying its clients include npower, the NHS, the Co-operative, B&Q, Barclays and BBC Cymru Wales.
Insolvency firm Leonard Curtis told the Express that the business was sold to Amer Logistics Limited on the same day the administrators were appointed. The firm said the sale protected 150 jobs.
Administrator Steve Muncaster, from Leonard Curtis, said: "We are delighted to have completed a sale of this long-established business, so preserving the employment of the entire workforce, and allowing its extensive customer base to continue to work with the business.”