THE Sealine crisis – which has seen 234 workers made redundant – has been described as a “devastating blow” to the district.

The Kidderminster-based luxury boat maker entered administration on Tuesday and administrators Baker Tilly announced 234 out of the 300-strong workforce had been issued with redundancy notices.

The firm has been one of the town’s biggest employers in recent years and Wyre Forest MP Mark Garnier told The Shuttle the grim news could result in a 10 per cent increase in unemployment in the district. It currently stands at 4.7 per cent.

Baker Tilly is inviting offers for whole or part of the business and said Sealine had become a victim of the economic downturn, which has “hit demand for luxury boats”.

Mr Garnier said: “It is absolutely devastating – it is a complete blow to those who have been sticking with this business for years and for some this is all they know.

“We have to make sure they get the support they need and we have got to find work for them. There will be some jobs around and these are very skilled workers so that will give them an advantage.”

The Conservative MP added: “The ideal outcome would be for a new buyer to take on this business as it is, re-employ all the staff they need and carry on building boats in Kidderminster.”

He said another boat-builder moving manufacturing out of the town to existing factories would be a “worstcase scenario”.

A 58-year-old worker, living in Kidderminster, who did not want to be named, described his mood as “sad, upset and angry” as employees went to the Worcester Road factory yesterday to sign forms and collect belongings.

He added: “Before 3pm on Tuesday, somebody came to my unit and said we have a meeting now and we were told. We feel very bad. I am unhappy – I worked here for nine years and what next?”

Wyre Forest District Council leader John Campion said: “We have to support those who are affected and make sure they can go on and get another job. Our economic regeneration team has already been in touch with the administrators.”

Sealine, which began trading in 1972, was bought by the current American owners Oxford Investment Group in September, 2011. One month later, 37 jobs at the firm were axed and in February, 2012 another 72 were lost.

If you work at Sealine or have you been affected by the company’s shock announcement, call The Shuttle newsdesk on 01562 633347.