The High Court has approved a survival scheme that will allow a Co Louth based company that makes magnesium-based heat-resistant products to successfully exit examinership.
Late last year Premier Periclase Ltd was granted the protection of the courts and Mr Neil Hughes was appointed as examiner to the firm, which required a large amount of gas to generate the energy it needs to make its products.
It had been successful for many years, but the company got into difficulties due to the dramatic rise of gas and energy prices over the last year.
The company, which is a specialist and world leader in making magnesium oxide and magnesium hydroxide products used in the manufacture of heat-resistant lining for furnaces.
It has been operating from a facility at Boyne Road, Drogheda, Co Louth since 1977 and its products are sold all over the world.
It's Munich-based owner Callista Turnaround 10 GmbH acquired the business in February 2021.
Energy bills
Previously the Court heard that the firm owed Bord Gais €2.5 million and electricity supplier Energia €900,000.
When seeking the protection of the courts last December the company, which requires a large amount of gas to generate the energy it needs to make its products, claimed that Bord Gais had threatened to cut off its supply unless the company made a substantial payment.
The company said it was unable to make the payment sought, rendering it insolvent and unable to pay its debts.
On Friday afternoon Mr Justice Brian O'Moore said he was satisfied to approve a scheme of arrangement put together by the firm's examiner Mr Hughes of Baker Tily.
Gary McCarthy SC for Mr Hughes said there were no objections to the scheme being approved.
The judge in approving the scheme, which will see the company continue to trade as a going concern, praised the professionalism of Mr Hughes and his team for getting the survival plan over the line.
Under the terms of the survival scheme, which will see fresh investment come into the company, the firm is to switch from using natural gas to renewable energy sources.
However, it will take the company 18 months to complete that switch.
This will see approximately half of its 94 workers being made redundant, the court heard.
However, it is hoped that after the switch is completed the company would be able to take on more employees.
When seeking the protection of the courts last December the company, claimed that Bord Gais had threatened to cut off its supply unless the company made a substantial payment.
The company said it was unable to make the payment sought, rendering it insolvent and unable to pay it debts and sought the appointment of Mr Hughes as examiner.
