47 jobs lost as “unviable” Blackburn-based sports surface firm enters administration

Sports surface and artificial grass manufacturer Thornton Sports Group ceased trading last week as joint administrators were appointed for the struggling Blackburn business.

Joint administrators Joanne Hammond and John Russell, from the Sheffield office of professional services firm Begbies Traynor, confirmed that the company has made 47 of its 52 staff redundant.

The group comprises Thornton Sports Ltd, GTC Sports Ltd, Soccer Turf, Nordon Ltd, Thorntons Contracts Ltd and Protech AllWeather.

Founded more than 35 years ago, Thornton Sports Group operates a manufacturing plant in Altham, near Blackburn, and another facility near Leicester.

The company, which ceased trading on May 4, was previously selected as a partner for a number of city academy, private finance initiative and public private partnership projects.

Joint administrator Joanne commented: “Unfortunately, the group suffered from quality problems with some of its products which proved too costly to rectify.

“This, together with low margins and increased competition, has made the business unviable.”

She added: “We will be marketing Thornton Sport’s manufacturing plant in Blackburn and working to recover further funds for the creditors.”

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