UK-based glass container mould manufacturer BRK International is restructuring its business following trading difficulties at the beginning of the year. The company acquired its major competitor, Johnson Radley (JR), in 2000 and decided to consolidate the two businesses onto a single site after JR's principal customer transferred most of its mould business to a Hungarian supplier. The process was more costly than anticipated and seriously disrupted delivery and quality performance. BRK went into administration in January, but was returned to the control of the directors in April following creditors' approval of a Company Voluntary Arrangement. Spearheading the restructuring is new Managing Director David Mitchell, a mechanical engineer who gained his initial experience of industry with the European division of Thyssen. For the last seven years he has specialized in "trouble-shooting" at a wide range of under-performing UK companies, most recently with manufacturers in food, furniture and engineering.

For additional information, call (44) 113-2522922, fax (44) 113-2526992 or e-mail info@brk-group.co.uk.