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Trailer and bodybuilder Boalloy was "cynically stripped" of its assets in the months leading up to its administration, according to the union Unite, which is now threatening action if Boalloy's parent fails to support its workforce. Unite senior regional industrial organiser Steve Grieves has launched a blistering attack on the failed Congleton firm and its Irish parent, James Murray Fabrications, which acquired  Boalloy just 12 months ago.

Administrators from PricewaterhouseCoopers (PWC) put the group into administration on 15 October after it incurred "sustained and significant losses" the companies affected are Boalloy Industries, Boalloy Fastruck, M&G Trailers and Boalloy Holdings. PWC is currently establishing the exact size of Boalloys debts and assets: 40 staff out of almost 500 have been kept on to run down the operation and sort out alternative suppliers.

Grieves claims it was clear from the outset that JMF "was not going to behave in an honourable way". He adds: "The company behaved like an employer from the 1960s and unfortunately British employment legislation does not protect British workers from such cynical asset stripping by foreign owners." Unite wants Boalloy workers to receive all the wages and redundancy pay they are entitled to. Grieves warns: "Any less than that will result in the strongest union challenge."

JMF refuses to comment on the situation,  except to say it is "business as usual".

One ray of light for Boalloy's redundant workers comes from Crewe-based steel fabricator CHK, which is offering some of them jobs. Spokeswoman Julie Lewis says CHK needs press brake operators and welders it has already interviewed two former Boalloy employees and a dozen more have requested application forms.