HGV drivers made redundant as Donaldson & McConnell collapses

Donaldson & McConnell is the latest timber distributor to be declared bankrupt, with lorry drivers among the 102 staff made redundant.

The Bo'ness-based distributor of glulam products to the construction sector, which also has depots in Canterbury and West Bromwich, appointed Blair Nimmo of KMPG as company administrator on 3 June.

Of the firm's 114 employees, 102 were made redundant with immediate effect, including a number of HGV drivers. Donaldson & McConnell has an O-licence for 14 vehicles and 11 trailers.

Nimmo says: "In common with many companies that supply the construction sector, Donaldson & McConnell has experienced very challenging conditions in recent times, with the reduction in construction actively reducing demand for the group's products."

The company's collapse comes shortly after 82-year-old timber haulier F W Mason & Sons entered administration, blaming factors such as soaring diesel costs and the loss of long-standing customers.