Battery firm Atraverda's job loss warning

Workers at a Blaenau Gwent battery maker which is due to go into administration have been warned jobs will be lost.

Atraverda employs 44 people on the Roseheyworth business park near Abertillery.

Production at the factory stopped in November and an offer for the company has failed to go through.

Workers have been told to expect a "significant redundancy round".

Chief executive Graham Ryan said it was a "very sad day" for Atraverda.

"The company has had a really good year bringing its technology onto a commercial footing," he said.

"There are field trials of products currently running in a number of countries with prospective customers showing commercial interest in incorporating the batteries into their own product specifications.

"Unfortunately, we required further development funding to reach that goal which in the current financial climate has proved impossible to secure."

Atraverda has given notice of its intention to to appoint administrators James Cowper.

Peter Whalley, head of restructuring and insolvency at James Cowper, said: "It is a shame that a company which appeared to be making such great strides in developing new technology to improve a product as ubiquitous as the lead/acid battery has had to take this step.

"Nevertheless, we shall be starting an extensive marketing campaign to find a buyer for Atraverda's ceramic bipolar battery production capability in the New Year."

The company is retaining a small team which can restart production "if a buyer for the entire facility comes forward".